The FACEIT Challenger Queue is a queue for the highest-ranked EU players between October 14-18. It allows the strongest players in EU to network, meet upcoming talent, and compete for their share of a $10,000 prize pool.
Qualifying to the Challenger Queue
Who can play in the Challenger Queue? Access is limited to three groups:
- The Top 75 EU VRS teams in October’s rankings
- The Top 300 ranked EU players as of October 12th, 2026.
- Players on a Top 50 Global VRS team who are currently in Europe.
If a player is both in the top 300 Elo and in a top VRS Ranked team, the spot will be passed onto the next highest Elo player. Due to the number of high VRS Ranked players who also have high Elo, several spots will likely be passed on further.
How do I know if I have qualified? On October 14th at 18:00 CEST, a new queue will open on the matchmaking page for eligible players.
Can I lose access during the event? Yes. Players can be removed during the event if they are toxic, throw games, or engage in any other behaviour that ruins the experience for other players.
Playing in the queue
When does the Challenger Queue run? October 14 to 18. The queue is open daily from 18:00 to 00:00 CEST.
Can players queue with a group? The Challenger Queue will be solo queue only with captain picks.
What are the match settings?
- Higher stakes on every game, like Premium matches.
- A reduced server location pool for better match quality and queue consistency
- No pre-selected map bans, so all voting is in the lobby.
- Standard FPL rules and moderation apply
Following the action
Where can I track the standings? A dedicated Challenger Queue leaderboard runs throughout the event, which will be available here for the community to monitor.
How is my leaderboard position calculated? The leaderboard is calculated based on 6 points for a win, and deducting 4 points for a loss. Players on a win streak of 3+ games will receive a 2-point bonus per win.
Can I watch the matches? The demos will be available for all of these matches, as normal, on FACEIT. Players are also welcome to stream their POVs during the games.
Prizes
What is the total prize pool?
$10,000.
How is the $10,000 leaderboard prize divided?
| Placement | Prize |
| 1st | $3,000 |
| 2nd | $2,000 |
| 3rd | $1,500 |
| 4th | $1,000 |
| 5th | $750 |
| 6th | $500 |
| 7th | $500 |
| 8th | $250 |
| 9th | $250 |
| 10th | $250 |
How and when are prizes paid out?
Payments will follow the same procedures as FPL, with prizes paid 60 days after the completion of the competition. We will be sending an email with the information for players to set up their Payment Labs accounts following the conclusion of the event.