Tipsport CS circuit - official rulebook

This document governs all tournaments organized under the Tipsport CS Circuit. The Organizer reserves the right to amend, update, or clarify any rule at any time. Any changes will be communicated to all participating teams via the official tournament Discord server, unless stated otherwise. 
 

Any cases not explicitly specified in this document will be reviewed and resolved individually by the Tournament Administration.
 

All decisions made by the Tournament Administration are final.

 

  1. GENERAL

    1. Competition Title

      These regulations apply to the following tournaments:

      1. Tipsport Conquest of Prague
      2. Tipsport Open Cup #1
      3. Tipsport Open Cup #2
      4. Tipsport RUSH: Brno
         

    2. Invite

      1. If the tournament includes invited teams, each invited team has 72 hours to confirm its participation. Failure to respond within this period will be considered a declined invitation, unless otherwise approved by the Tournament Administration.
         

    3. Game Version

      1. All matches are played in Counter-Strike 2 using the live competitive version active at the time of the match, unless otherwise decided by the Tournament Administrator.
         

    4. Match Format

      1. All matches are played in a 5 versus 5 format. A team must have five eligible players to start a match.
         

    5. Team Composition

      1. A roster may consist of:
        - Five starting players
        - One coach (The coach may participate as a player)
        - Up to two substitutes
         

    6. Roster Lock

      1. Roster lock deadlines are defined individually for each tournament. After the official deadline, no roster changes are permitted unless explicitly approved by the Tournament Administration.
         

    7. Team Names & Branding

      1. Team names must be consistent with publicly available information on recognized esports platforms (e.g. HLTV, Liquipedia) and must be used consistently throughout the entire tournament. The inclusion of sponsors in a team name is only permitted with prior approval from the Tournament Administration.
      2. Team names, player aliases, logos, and any other team branding elements must not contain racist, sexist, discriminatory, hateful, extremist, vulgar, political, or otherwise inappropriate language or symbolism. All branding must comply with applicable laws, the values of the Tournament Administration and its partners, and the applicable Valve rulebook.
      3. The Tournament Administration reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to require a team or player to modify or change any name, alias, logo, or branding element at any time. Failure to comply may result in penalties, including disqualification. All decisions of the Tournament Administration in this matter are final.
         

    8. Matches

      1. For online matches, the server location will be Germany, as it provides a central position within Europe and ensures optimal and balanced latency conditions for participating teams across the tournament region.

      2. The higher-seeded team decides which team starts the veto. In case of identical seeding, the starting team will be determined by a coin flip.

        Best-of-One (Bo1) matches: 
        Team A removes one map 
        Team A removes one map 
        Team B removes one map 
        Team B removes one map 
        Team B removes one map 
        Team A removes one map - Team B chooses starting side 
        The left-over map will be played, this map is also referred to as a „decider“.

        Best-of-Three (Bo3) matches: 
        Team A removes one map 
        Team B removes one map 
        Team A chooses one map – Team B chooses starting side 
        Team B chooses one map – Team A chooses starting side 
        Team A removes one map 
        Team B removes one map 
        The left-over map will be the deciding map in case it's needed.

      3. The tournament will use the official Valve Active Duty Map Pool (latest version). The map pool may be updated before each tournament phase in accordance with Valve’s official changes.

        Inferno
        Nuke
        Dust 2
        Ancient
        Mirage
        Overpass
        Anubis

        1. If a team is not present or fails to respond during the veto process, the Tournament Administration reserves the right to randomize the map picks and bans on behalf of that team.
      4. Overtime is played in MR3 format (first to four rounds). Each player starts each overtime with $12,500. Additional overtimes follow the same format.
      5. Each team is entitled to three tactical pauses per map, each lasting thirty seconds. Tactical pauses are activated via the in-game command system „!tac“
        1. In overtime, all remaining tactical pauses are reset and each team receives one tactical pause per overtime. Tactical pauses do not accumulate.
      6. Technical pauses may last up to five consecutive minutes. The team requesting the pause must provide a valid justification. Technical pauses are activated via the in-game command system „!tech“
         

    9. Communication with Tournament Organizer

      1. Communication between participants and the Organizer will take place on Discord. The Organizer will create a Discord channel including all team captains, managers, and players of the respective teams. Discord is also used for integrity purposes, including camera verification and live administrative communication during matches. 
      2. Participants are required to regularly check Discord for important updates regarding their matches and general tournament proceedings. 
      3. Each team, including all active players, must join the designated Discord server (mentioned above) prior to their first match of the competition.
      4. For any general questions regarding the tournaments and its overall organization, please contact via Email: nahlik@playzone.cz
      5. For questions directly related to the tournament itself (such as rescheduling, teams, matches, etc.), please reach out via Discord: WLTN1, Email: vambersky@playzone.cz
         

  2. ADDITIONAL RULES

    1. Integrity and Player Eligibility

      1. The Tournament Organizer recognizes and enforces competitive bans and sanctions issued by other major tournament operators and platforms, including but not limited to FACEIT, Esportal, BLAST, ESL, ESIC, Gamers Club, and other recognized organizers. Players currently banned or sanctioned by such entities may be deemed ineligible to participate in the tournament.
      2. This policy applies particularly to online qualifiers, but may also apply to any other stage of the competition, including VRS-based invitations or core events. The Organizer reserves the sole and absolute discretion to determine player eligibility in cases involving serious infractions and/or integrity violations, including but not limited to cheating, match-fixing, betting-related offenses, use of prohibited software, or unsportsmanlike conduct.
      3. Furthermore, in order to preserve competitive integrity, the Organizer reserves the right to declare a player ineligible even in cases where a previous ban issued by another organizer has expired. If, as a result of such a decision, a team no longer meets the eligibility requirements, the Organizer reserves the right to replace the team with the next eligible roster in the VRS ranking or other applicable selection list. Final eligibility decisions are made independently and at the sole discretion of the Tournament Administration.
      4. Due to visa-related complications, logistical considerations, and in order to ensure competitive integrity and balanced latency (ping) conditions for all participating teams, eligibility for the tournament is limited to players who are demonstrably based in Europe.
        1. Players residing in Russia, Belarus, or Kazakhstan are not permitted to participate in the tournament.
        2. An exception may be granted to players holding citizenship of the aforementioned countries who can demonstrate permanent residence or long-term, verifiable stay (work or study) outside of those countries. Such players must be able to provide official documentation proving their residence status upon request by the Tournament Administration.
        3. The Tournament Administration reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to evaluate and approve any exception requests based on a good-faith assessment of the individual circumstances.
           

    2. Anti-Cheat and Prohibited Software

      1. All players are required to use Akros Anti-Cheat (https://akros.ac) in order to join the match server. Participants must ensure that Akros is correctly installed, updated, and fully operational no later than the day before their match. Failure to comply may result in round or map forfeits, or disqualification, depending on the severity of the violation and the judgment of Tournament Administration.
      2. The use of any software, tools, modifications, or methods that alter game properties or provide a competitive advantage is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, unauthorized modifications to graphics drivers, the use of exploits allowing unintended movement through walls, floors, roofs, or other map geometry (including so-called „skywalking“), and the abuse of bugs that alter core game mechanics.
      3. In addition, the Organizer reserves the right, as part of its anti-cheating and integrity procedures, to conduct further checks of a player’s computer and environment. This may include camera-based inspections, live verification steps, and specific instructions that players must follow upon request. Failure to comply with such requests constitutes a serious integrity breach and may result in disqualification.
         

    3. Match Environment and Equipment Requirements

      1. The player, as well as anyone in the immediate vicinity of the player, is not allowed to watch the broadcast of the match during the game.
      2. Players are strictly prohibited from using mobile phones or any other electronic devices during a match. Such devices must not be used, handled, or kept within immediate reach or in close proximity to the player’s playing area during the match, including immediately prior to the start of the game. Any such conduct constitutes a serious integrity breach and may result in disqualification from the tournament.
      3. Players are not permitted to leave their seat, move out of camera view, or leave the room or designated playing area during an ongoing match without prior explicit approval from a tournament administrator.
      4. A player is only allowed to have one monitor plugged in during a match. Upon request from an administrator, the player must use their camera to show that no additional monitors are plugged in.
      5. For integrity purposes, players are required to have their camera turned on at least 10 minutes prior to the announced match start time and keep it active for the duration of the match. The camera must clearly show the player, full setup (including the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and surrounding area), and must provide a stable HD-quality video feed (minimum 720p) as determined by the Tournament Organizer. Players may additionally be required to provide up to two live camera feeds, as specified on a case-by-case basis. All such requests are mandatory and strictly for integrity purposes; failure or refusal to comply may result in penalties, including a technical loss or disqualification from the competition.
      6. The use of character skins („Agents“) is prohibited. All players are required to use the default character appearance.
         

    4. Communication Rules and Coach Regulations

      1. All communication during the match must take place through the official private TeamSpeak 3 (TS3) server designated by the Organizer. Communication during matches is limited to the five players on the server and one coach.
      2. To preserve online competitive integrity, coaches may support their team during matches but must do so within the limits set by the Organizer. Coaches may not be connected to the game server but are allowed to join the team’s official voice communication channel (TeamSpeak).
      3. Communication is permitted during all moments of the game, provided it takes place exclusively on the official TeamSpeak server. Any private communication channels, including voice or text platforms (e.g., Discord, messaging applications), are strictly prohibited. All TeamSpeak sessions are recorded and stored for potential review.
      4. All Coach communication must be directly related to the ongoing match and based solely on information available from the game server situation. If abuse is detected, the Organizer reserves the right to revoke communication privileges and apply disciplinary actions.
      5. Players may provide their coach with a private POV player stream for tactical purposes. This stream must be strictly limited to the team’s staff and must not be broadcasted, shared, or accessed by unauthorized individuals. Unauthorized access or distribution of the stream constitutes a serious integrity breach and may result in penalties, including disqualification from the event.
         

  3. PENALTY SYSTEM

    1. Players are subject to a penalty system throughout all phases of the tournament for actions that disrupt the smooth flow of the tournament. Violation of any player responsibilities will result in the team being assigned penalty points by the admin. 
      1. Prize pool deductions apply as follows:
        3–10 penalty points: 0.25% deduction per point
        11–15 penalty points: 0.5% deduction per point
        16 or more penalty points: 1% deduction per point

    2. Players will be penalized by the tournament admin in online stages for:

      - Failure to be present on the server 5 minutes before the scheduled map start time. 
      - Failure to be present on the server at the scheduled map start time. 
      - Failure to be present on the server for every 2 minutes after the scheduled map start time.
      - Failure to comply with the team dress code on camera during the match and interviews.
      - Failure to attend or refusal to participate in an interview. 
      - Failure to be present or have the camera turned on during the match. 
      - This also applies in case of disconnection or turning off the camera during the match.
      - Failure to be present on the TS3 server designated for communication during the match.
      - Disconnecting from the server, TS3, or camera before the match is completely finished. 

    3. Players will be penalized by the tournament admin in offline stages for: 

      - Failure to be present on media day at the designated time. 
      - Failure to be present on media day every 15 minutes after the designated time. 
      - Failure to comply with the team dress code, including long pants and closed shoes, during entrances, interviews, and media day. 
      - Failure to attend or refusal to participate in an interview or any other media-related task.
      - Failure to be present at the event venue on the day of the tournament at the designated time.
      - Failure to be present at the event venue on the day of the tournament every 15 minutes after the designated time. 
      - Player unpreparedness for the match after the coach confirms to the admin that the team is ready. 
      - Failure to be present on the server (CS2 + TS3) at the time of the entrances. 
      - Communication during the match at an unapproved time. 
      - Removing headphones outside of a technical pause. 
      - Switching outside of the game during the match. 
      - Disconnecting from the game before the match is completely finished. 

    4. After the match is completed, the team coach will be sent a full report with the assigned penalty points. The team will then have 1 hour to file a protest. Protests submitted after this time will not be considered. If the team does not have a coach, the report will be sent to the manager/team representative.


    The Tournament Administration retains full authority regarding penalty decisions.

     

  4. ETHICAL CODE

    Every sport, including electronic sports, should not only provide entertainment but also contribute to the development of young players personalities. The principles of fair play extend beyond tournament rules and cover the general behavior of individuals both in and out of the game. They guide players to cooperate within their teams, respect teammates, foster healthy ambition, and show respect to opponents, humility in victory, and grace in defeat. 

    1. Every player adheres to the tournament rules, organizers, and admins. 
    2. Every player supports their teammates and strives to help their team succeed, both on and off the server. The goal is not individual success but the team's success. A functional team leaves no room for belittling, insulting, or toxic behavior. 
    3. Every player has dreams and goals and strives to make a name in the gaming scene while having fun during matches. Their behavior does not spoil the experience for others, including opponents. Trash talk and friendly teasing are always welcome but should never cross the line of decency. Vulgar language, mockery, racial or personal attacks, and degradation do not belong in professional esports. 
    4. Every player behaves in a way that allows growth both in and out of the game. They understand the importance of balance in life—healthy relationships, vitality, career, and education. None of these should be prioritized to the extreme at the cost of the others.
    5. Players are aware that with increasing reach on social media and media exposure in tournaments and outside of them, they have both the opportunity to express opinions, dissatisfaction, or frustration, and the responsibility for what they communicate, along with the consequences their behavior may cause. 
    6. Players strive to develop esports, contribute to building the community, and foster a friendly ecosystem. They recognize that they represent the entire industry and showcase what is beautiful about esports. Their behavior and conduct reflect not just themselves, but the environment that nurtured them. 
    7. Players adhere to this code both in the game and during tournaments, but also in their personal and professional lives. These principles are not only applicable in the context of esports but also in the context of living a good life. Violation of the ethical code or any of the aforementioned rules may result in the disqualification of the player or team from the tournament(s).
       

  5. TOURNAMENTS

    1. TIPSPORT CONQUEST OF PRAGUE

      1. Region
        EU (Players residing in Russia, Belarus, or Kazakhstan are not eligible to participate in the tournament. For full details and exceptions, please refer to Section 2.1.4)
      2. Tournament Dates
        Swiss Stage: 12–27 April
        Decider Stage: 28–29 April
        LAN Playoffs: 22–24 May
        Location: Vodafone PLAYzone Arena, Prague
      3. Prize Pool
        1st – €20,000
        2nd – €6,500
        3rd – €2,500
        4th – €1,000
      4. Roster Lock
        To be announced
      5. Participants
        - Sixteen teams:
        - Twelve invited based on March VRS ranking
        - Four team qualified via Faceit open qualifiers
      6. Swiss Stage
        - Sixteen-team Swiss format.
        - Matches with records 0-0, 0-1, 1-0, and 1-1 are Best-of-One.
        - All remaining matches are Best-of-Three.
        - Teams finishing 3-0 advance directly to Playoffs.
        - The two best 3-1 teams (determined by head-to-head and round difference) are seeded directly into Round 2 of the Decider Stage.
        - The remaining 3-1 team and all 3-2 teams advance to Round 1 of the Decider Stage.
      7. Decider Stage
        - Six-team Single Elimination bracket.
        - All matches are Best-of-Three.
        - Top two 3-1 teams from Swiss are seeded into Round 2.
      8. Playoffs
        - Four teams.
        - Double Elimination bracket.
        - All matches Best-of-Three.
        - Played on LAN in Prague.
         

    2. TIPSPORT OPEN CUP #1

      1. Region
        Worldwide (Buy-in LAN)
      2. Tournament Dates
        Group Stage: 5–6 August
        Playoffs: 7–9 August
        Location: Vodafone PLAYzone Arena
      3. Prize Pool
        1st – €6,000
        2nd – €2,500
        3rd – €1,500
        4th – €1,000
      4. Roster Lock
        To be announced
      5. Participants
        - Twelve teams through open paid registration (first come, first served).
        - Seeding based on July VRS ranking.
        - Top four seeded teams advance directly to Playoffs.
      6. Group Stage
        - Two Round Robin groups of four teams each.
        - Group A: Seeds 1, 4, 5, 8
        - Group B: Seeds 2, 3, 6, 7
        - All matches Best-of-Three.
        - Top two teams from each group advance.
      7. Playoffs
        - Eight-team Double Elimination bracket.
        - All matches Best-of-Three.
        - Opening matches seeded according to final group standings.
         

    3. TIPSPORT OPEN CUP #2

      1. Region
        Worldwide (Buy-in LAN)
      2. Tournament Dates
        Group Stage: 23–24 September
        Playoffs: 25–27 September
        Location: Vodafone PLAYzone Arena
      3. Prize Pool
        1st – €6,000
        2nd – €2,500
        3rd – €1,500
        4th – €1,000
      4. Roster Lock
        To be announced
      5. Participants
        - Twelve teams through open paid registration (first come, first served).
        - Seeding based on July VRS ranking.
        - Top four seeded teams advance directly to Playoffs.
      6. Group Stage
        - Two Round Robin groups of four teams each.
        - Group A: Seeds 1, 4, 5, 8
        - Group B: Seeds 2, 3, 6, 7
        - All matches Best-of-Three.
        - Top two teams from each group advance.
      7. Playoffs
        - Eight-team Double Elimination bracket.
        - All matches Best-of-Three.
        - Opening matches seeded according to final group standings.
         

    4. TIPSPORT RUSH: BRNO

      1. Region
        EU (Players residing in Russia, Belarus, or Kazakhstan are not eligible to participate in the tournament. For full details and exceptions, please refer to Section 2.1.4)
      2. Tournament Dates
        Swiss Stage: 19–31 October
        Decider Stage: 1–2 November
        LAN Playoffs: 20–22 November
        Location: BVV, Brno
      3. Prize Pool
        1st – €20,000
        2nd – €6,500
        3rd – €2,500
        4th – €1,000
      4. Roster Lock
        To be announced
      5. Participants
        - Sixteen teams:
        - Twelve invited based on March VRS ranking
        - Four team qualified via Faceit open qualifiers
      6. Swiss Stage
        - Sixteen-team Swiss format.
        - Matches with records 0-0, 0-1, 1-0, and 1-1 are Best-of-One.
        - All remaining matches are Best-of-Three.
        - Teams finishing 3-0 advance directly to Playoffs.
        - The two best 3-1 teams (determined by head-to-head and round difference) are seeded directly into Round 2 of the Decider Stage.
        - The remaining 3-1 team and all 3-2 teams advance to Round 1 of the Decider Stage.
      7. Decider Stage
        - Six-team Single Elimination bracket.
        - All matches are Best-of-Three.
        - Top two 3-1 teams from Swiss are seeded into Round 2.
      8. Playoffs
        - Four teams.
        - Double Elimination bracket.
        - All matches Best-of-Three.
        - Played on LAN in Brno.