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Qualification Rule of The 3rd Universal Cup Finals

We are excited to announce The 3rd Universal Cup Finals, the play-off event for the third season of the Universal Cup. This document outlines the rules and procedures for qualification.

Finals Overview

At least 20 teams will be invited to participate in The 3rd Universal Cup Finals. The qualification process will begin at least three months prior to the event and is divided into the following parts:

Part 1: Online Stages (10 teams)

The top 10(ten) teams in the official season ratings will be invited to the Finals. Rankings are based on final season ratings. In case of a tie, results from the Semifinals will be used as a tie-breaker.

Please note that, if any team withdraws their Finals invitation, their slot will not automatically be passed to the next team on the rating list. Instead, the remaining slots will be allocated to Part 4: Additional Buckets.

Part 2: Semifinals (8 teams)

The top 8(eight) teams that did not qualify through Part 1 in the semifinals will be invited based on their performance in the Semifinals, according to the contest rules.

Part 3: Contributors (2 teams)

The Universal Cup thrives with the support of the community. We deeply appreciate the efforts of all volunteers, contest/task authors, community moderators, and all other contributors.

We have reserved 2 team slots specifically for contributors, including but not limited to:

  1. Authors of contests for The 3rd Universal Cup Online Stages
  2. Authors of contests for The 2nd Universal Cup Online Stages
  3. Staff members, testers, or problem setters for The 2nd/3rd Universal Cup Semifinals and The 2nd Universal Cup Finals
  4. Other active community members who have made valuable contributions

To apply for a contributor slot, please email [email protected] by September 15th, 2025, with the following:

  • Team name and the Universal Cup account name (e.g., ucup-teamXXXX)
  • Full names of all team members
  • A brief summary of your contributions to the Universal Cup and its community

The Universal Cup Scientific Committee (SC) will review applications based on the following criteria:

  1. (Most important) The contribution of the contestants
  2. Performance in The 3rd Universal Cup Semifinals and Online Stages
  3. Past achievements of the team and its members

Part 4: Additional Buckets

If any qualified teams withdraw from the Finals, those vacant slots will be reallocated based on Semifinals performance — i.e., the next-highest-ranked teams from Part 2 will be invited. This process will continue until at least 20 teams are confirmed.

Depending on venue capacity and resources, more than 20 teams may be invited. In such cases, the SC will determine how to allocate the extra slots.

Q&A

  • Q1: Can I qualify for the Finals without participating in any Season 3 Online Stage contests?

  • A1: Yes. You are still eligible through Part 2 (Semifinals) and Part 3 (Contributors).

  • Q2: If a top-10 rated team withdraws, will the next-highest-rated team be invited?

  • A2: No. Vacated slots from Part 1 will go to Part 2 (Semifinals). However, if additional spots become available (as in Part 4), the SC may consider season ratings during allocation.

  • Q3: What are the selection criteria for contributor slots in Part 3? Why not just invite highest rated teams?

  • A3: Contributions to the Universal Cup come in many forms — organizing contests, proposing problems, supporting others in the community, and more. Because of the diverse nature of these contributions, a strict formula isn’t feasible. Instead, the SC will thoroughly review each application and make decisions based on a range of factors.

  • Q4: I did not author any contests. Can I still apply for a contributor slot?

  • A4: Absolutely! Contest authorship is just one type of contribution. If you've helped the community in other ways, feel free to apply. We value all meaningful contributions.