UEL Winter Championship 2026: Competition Rules

1. Eligibility, equipment, and check-in

Players must be at least 13 years old, meet the age requirements of the services they use, and have parent or guardian consent if under 18. Players must be registered, selected for the championship, and available for their scheduled matches during December 2026.

Players must be available and check in at least 30 minutes before their scheduled match for equipment checks, game access checks, screen-sharing setup, and instructions from UEL staff.

Each player must have access to:

• A working computer.
• A mobile device capable of playing required mobile games.
• At least one supported console, such as PlayStation or Xbox.
• The official tournament Discord for match communication.

Players are responsible for their equipment, accounts, internet connection, and access to the required indie games. A player does not need to play every game on every device, but must have the devices needed for the championship.

Minimum indie game access: Each player must be ready to play at least 17 games from the lineup of up to 33 indie games at match check-in. “Ready to play” means the player has legitimate access, a compatible device, and any required installation or update completed. Having a game listed in an account without being able to launch it does not count.

UEL will verify readiness before starting an online match. If either player cannot meet the 17-game minimum, UEL will not start the match and the duo will be disqualified. If the Wheel selects an indie game a player cannot access, that duo forfeits the game unless a Game Master determines the issue is an event-wide technical problem.

2. Match setup and time limit

Duos have five minutes between games to set up the required lobby and be ready to play the next selected indie game. A duo that cannot complete setup in that time must declare a forfeit for that game. A Game Master may make an exception for a verified tournament or platform outage.

The match clock runs for two hours, including setup time between games. No new game starts once the two-hour limit is reached. If an indie game is already being played at that point, players finish it, and it is the final game of the match. A Game Master may extend the clock only for a verified tournament or platform issue.

Players may not pause gameplay, manipulate game time, use banned items, or change agreed match settings without Game Master approval. An unauthorized action may result in a game forfeit or a further penalty.

3. Discord, screen sharing, and recordings

All players must join the official tournament Discord and be present for check-in and match communications. Players must share their screens as directed by UEL staff, subject to the technical requirements of the indie game being played.

At least one player in each duo must record or stream the full match. The footage must show gameplay and results clearly enough to review a dispute. Players must keep it available until the match result and any dispute are resolved.

A private recording is acceptable as evidence. Players do not have to broadcast on a personal public channel. Test recording and screen sharing during the 30-minute check-in period. If screen sharing causes lag, tell the Game Master immediately and follow their instructions; do not stop sharing or change match settings without approval.

4. Disputes

Report a disputed result or rules issue to a Game Master immediately after the game in question. Do not start another game until the Game Master gives instructions.

The teams have up to 15 minutes total, with up to 7 minutes and 30 seconds per duo, to explain their positions and provide evidence. Evidence should include a stream or recording showing the disputed action and result.

If no concrete evidence changes the result, the original recorded outcome stands. The Game Master’s ruling is final for that dispute.

The approved Game Masters will be announced soon. A Game Master involved in a disputed match must refer the decision to the other approved Game Master.

5. Conduct and competitive integrity

Treat opponents, teammates, viewers, and UEL staff respectfully. Threats, harassment, and verbal or physical abuse are prohibited. Depending on severity, UEL may issue a warning, a game or match forfeit, or removal from the championship.

Players may not use modified equipment, software, accounts, or settings that provide an unfair competitive advantage. When personal accounts are used in an indie game where downloadable content or items affect competition, both sides must have access to the same permitted content. UEL will communicate game-specific banned items and settings before that game begins.

Cheating, intentionally disrupting a match, manipulating a timer or result, using a banned item, or refusing an authorized Game Master instruction may result in a game forfeit, match forfeit, or disqualification. The Game Master will record the reason for any penalty.

6. Free entry and team promotional commitment

No payment is taken on the site. Both UEL team entry and independent duo registration are free. Required games may need to be purchased separately.

Represent your team. Help share the action.

Team entry is free and includes partner placement, practice opportunities and guidance from the team community. In return, gamers commit to up to 3 social posts, or participate in a qualifying team practice stream and share one promotional post.

This commitment applies to players representing a UEL team, not to independent duos. Team applicants register individually, choose their UEL team, and join that team’s Discord after receiving their registration confirmation for partner placement, practice opportunities and community guidance.

Registration does not guarantee selection for the championship. Players under 18 must provide parent or guardian consent and a parent or guardian email; UEL handles guardian follow-up separately.