The FACEIT Challenger Queue is a queue for the highest-ranked EU players running during the first five days of Season 9, from August 05-09. It allows the strongest players in EU to network, meet upcoming talent, and compete for their share of a $15,000 prize pool.
Qualifying to the Challenger Queue
Who can play in the Challenger Queue?
Access is limited to two groups:
- The Top 50 EU VRS teams in August’s rankings
- The Top 500 ranked EU players from FACEIT Season 8.
If a player is both in the top 500 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 August 05 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? August 05 to 09, the first five days of Season 9. The queue is open daily from 18:00 to 23:00 CEST.
Can players queue with a group? The Challenger Queue will be solo and duo only.
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 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? $15,000. It splits into $10,000 for leaderboard placement and $5,000 for personal achievements.
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 |
What are the personal achievement prizes?
A further $5,000 is set aside for bonus awards during the event:
- Best Young Talent: Highest ranked player on the leaderboard under 18 years old.
- Best Teamless Prospect: Highest ranked player not on a VRS Ranked team.
- Best Upcomer: Highest ranked player on a VRS Ranked Team that is outside the top 50 for Europe, (e.g. 51, 52, etc.)
- Best old-school veteran: Highest ranked player over 30 years old.
- Best Legend: Highest ranked player on a top 10 VRS Ranked team.
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.