Esports
LIVE NOW: HCS Charlotte Major (Oct 3-5) – Watch and unlock NEW DROPS!
The HCS returns to North Carolina with the HCS Charlotte Major hosted by FaZe Clan!
Join us live as we kick off the action today at 12pm PT / 5pm BST.
Check out the full event details below for match/event schedules, rosters and format, in-game rewards, and more!
CONTENTS
KEY INFO
| Date: October 3-5 Location: Charlotte, NC Venue: Charlotte Convention Center | GA Tickets: AVAILABLE NOW Team Passes: SALES ENDED Watch: Twitch + YouTube | Infinite 4v4: $250,000 Infinite FFA: $5,000 Side Tournaments: $5,500 |
WHERE TO WATCH
| A Stream: Twitch.tv/Halo B Stream: Twitch.tv/HCS C Stream: Twitch.tv/HCS_Red D Stream: Twitch.tv/HCS_Blue | All Streams: YouTube.com/@HCS Co-Streamers: Halo Infinite Live Streams |
MATCH SCHEDULE
For real-time tournament updates, be sure to follow @HCS on socials!
EVENT SCHEDULE
Eastern Time Zone (ET) - Early Player Check-in is THURSDAY OCTOBER 2 @ 6-8 PM
| Friday, October 3 9:00a - Doors Open (Pros) 9:30a - Player Check-in Starts (End @10:30a) 10:00a - Doors Open (AM Players) 10:30a - Doors Open (GA) 11:00a - Open Bracket Starts 12:00p - Pool Play Starts 3:15p - Halo 2 4v4 Sign-ups (End @ 4:15p) 4:30p - Halo 2 4v4 Starts 4:45p - Halo 5 2v2 Sign-ups (End @ 5:45p) 6:00p - Halo 5 2v2 Starts 7:15p - Free Play Starts (End @ ~10:15p) | Saturday, October 4 9:00a - Doors Open (Pros) 10:30a - Doors Open (ALL) / Pool Play Resumes / FFA Sign-ups 12:00p - Infinite FFA Starts 12:30p - Infinite 2v2 Sign-ups (End @2:15p) 2:30p - Infinite 2v2 Starts 3:30p - Champ Bracket Starts 4:30p - Infinite S&D Sign-ups (End @ 5:30p) 5:30p - Halo 3 2v2 Sign-ups (End @ 6:30p) 5:45p - Infinite S&D Starts 6:30p - Halo 3 2v2 + Free Play Starts 7:00p - HaloWC Last Chance Qualifier 11:00p - Free Play Ends | Sunday, October 5 9:00a - Doors Open (Pros) 11:00a - Doors Open (ALL) + Free Play Starts 12:00p - Elimination Semifinal 1:30p - Winners Final 3:00p - Elimination Final 3:30p - Free Play Ends 4:30p - Grand Finals (GF Reset @ 6:30p If needed) 7:30p - Doors Close (Close @ 9:30p If GF reset) |
TICKETS
Join us live in Charlotte - tickets and team passes are available now!
GA Tickets 3-Day: $50
Discount Codes
In order to provide extra value to fans and also allow fans to support their favorite teams directly, you can use any of the codes below at check out to receive a 10% discount on your Spectator Tickets. When you save 10%, the Teams receive 10%!
Support your favorite team and get a discount on spectator tickets. If you use a team's code, be sure to share on Twitter and tag the teams so they know you've supported them!
FORMAT & STANDINGS
The Charlotte 2025 4v4 tournament format will feature:
- Open Bracket: 64 teams (Top 4 advance to Pool Play)
- Pool Play: 16 teams (4th in Pools are eliminated)
- Champ Bracket: 12 teams (Double-elimination Best-of-5, Grand Finals Best-of-7)
- HaloWC Last Chance Qualifier: 8 teams (4 winners will qualify for HaloWC)
$250K 4V4 PRIZE BREAKDOWN
- 1st: $100,000 + #1 Seed at the HaloWC
- 2nd: $60,000 + #2 Seed at the HaloWC
- 3rd: $30,000 + #3 Seed at the HaloWC
- 4th: $17,500 + #4 Seed at the HaloWC
- 5-6: $8,000 + #5-6 Seed at the HaloWC
- 7-8: $5,000 + #7-8 Seed at the HaloWC
- 9-12: $2,500
- 13-16: $1,625
Event Rules, Player Handbook, & Code of Conduct
Plan on competing live in Charlotte? Be sure to check out the Event Rules, Player Handbook, and Code of Conduct!
OPEN BRACKET
- Open Bracket will start and end on Friday October 3rd
- The Top (4) teams will advance to Pool Play
Congratulations to the following teams on securing travel coverage to compete in the Charlotte Open Bracket!
| NA Dark Inside - KidNasty - Luiney - SuperCC - Suspector | EU Fries in the Bag - DeZire - Mqse - Pantho - Respectful | MX Akave Esports - Acid - Drift - Leuor - Magico | ANZ Mindfreak - Barcode - Scoobmeistr - Swayz - Wryce |
Open Bracket Map Rotations
| Winners Round 1 Bomb Aquarius Slayer Recharge KOTH Live Fire | Winners Round 2 Oddball Recharge Slayer Origin CTF Aquarius | Winners Round 3 Strongholds Live Fire Slayer Solitude CTF Forbidden | Winners Quarters KOTH Recharge Slayer Aquarius Oddball Lattice | Winners Semi-Finals CTF Origin Slayer Live Fire Strongholds Recharge Bomb Aquarius Slayer Streets |
| Elim. Round 1 Oddball Live Fire Slayer Origin KOTH Lattice | Elim. Round 2 CTF Origin Slayer Aquarius Strongholds Live Fire | Elim. Round 3 Bomb Aquarius Slayer Solitude Strongholds Recharge | Elim. Round 4 KOTH Recharge Slayer Live Fire Oddball Lattice |
| Elim. Round 5 Strongholds Lattice Slayer Recharge CTF Aquarius | Elim. Round 6 KOTH Live Fire Slayer Solitude Oddball Recharge | Elim. Quarters CTF Fortress Slayer Live Fire Bomb Aquarius Strongholds Lattice Slayer Streets | Elim. Semi-Finals Oddball Live Fire Slayer Recharge KOTH Lattice CTF Forbidden Slayer Origin |
POOL PLAY
Congratulations to the following teams on securing Pool Play through the HCS Open Series: Road to Charlotte!
- 4 Pools of 4
- Single Round Robin
- 1st & 2nd in Pools go to Winners Round 1
- 3rd in Pools goes to Lower Round 1
- 4th in Pools is eliminated
Pool Play Map Rotations
CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET
The Championship Bracket is where the best of the best will clash for their share of $250,000 and a paid trip to the $1,000,000 Halo World Championship!
- 12-Team Double Elimination
- Top 8 teams will qualify for the Halo World Championship (Seeds 1-8)
HaloWC Qualification
The final 8 HaloWC seeds will be rewarded as follows:
- Seeds 9-12: Top 4 highest HCS points following HCS Charlotte Major (global points)
- Seeds 13-16: Last Chance Qualifier winners
HaloWC Last Chance Qualifier
8 teams will vie in the Last Chance Qualifier for the final 4 HaloWC seeds live Saturday night in Charlotte. 4 matches - win and you're in!
The HaloWC LCQ will feature:
- All Charlotte Pool Play teams that do not qualify for the HaloWC via top 8 placing or being top 4 in Global Points.
- Remaining seeds will go to the highest placing Charlotte Open Bracket teams.
The HaloWC 13-16 seeds will be determined by:
- Total Points if teams are from the same region, and Global Points if they're from different regions.
LCQ Map Rotation
- CTF Forbidden
- Slayer Origin
- Strongholds Live Fire
- KOTH Lattice
- Slayer Recharge
HALO SIDE TOURNAMENTS
Think you’ve got what it takes? Attendees will have the chance to compete in Side Tournaments throughout the weekend featuring a mix of Halo titles. Squad up with your friends, jump into the action, and battle for bragging rights (and cash).
Registration will be handled on-site and is first come, first served, so make sure to show up early and ready to play!
Friday - October 3
| Halo 2 MCC - 4v4 - Prize: 1st/$1,050, 2nd/$450 - Team Cap: 16 - Registration: 3:15p ET - Start: 4:30p ET | Halo 5 - 2v2 - Prize: 1st/$700, 2nd/$300 - Team Cap: 16 - Registration: 4:45p ET - Start: 6:00p ET |
Saturday - October 4
| Halo Infinite - FFA - Prize Pool: $5,000 - Player Cap: 256 - Registration: (TBD) - Start: 12:00p ET | Halo Infinite - 2v2 - Prize: 1st/$1,050, 2nd/$450 - Team Cap: 64 - Registration: 12:30p ET - Start: 2:30p ET | Halo Infinite - S&D Extraction 4v4 - Prize: 1st/$525, 2nd/$225 - Team Cap: 16 - Note: (2) 8-team tournaments will run simultaneously - Registration: 4:30p ET - Start: 5:45p ET | Halo 3 MCC- 2v2 - Prize: 1st/$700, 2nd/$300 - Team Cap: 16 - Registration: 5:30p ET - Start: 6:30p ET |
HALO INFINITE FFA - $5,000
For the lone wolves out there - it’s your time to shine. Step into the gauntlet, fight your way through the chaos, and prove you’re the best solo Spartan in the building. No teammates. No excuses. Just you versus everyone.
Registration will be handled on-site and is first come, first served for all event attendees!
The top 8 HCS Charlotte FFA finalists will also secure travel coverage to compete in the $25,000 FFA at the Halo World Championship!
FFA PRIZE BREAKDOWN
- 1st: $2,000 + HaloWC FFA Qualification
- 2nd: $1,200 + HaloWC FFA Qualification
- 3rd: $800 + HaloWC FFA Qualification
- 4th: $425 + HaloWC FFA Qualification
- 5th: $200 + HaloWC FFA Qualification
- 6th: $150 + HaloWC FFA Qualification
- 7th: $125 + HaloWC FFA Qualification
- 8th: $100 + HaloWC FFA Qualification
Talent
Presenting the on-air talent bringing you all the action at the Charlotte Major!
How do their predictions compare to yours? Let us know on social!
Twitch Drops
Tune into the HCS Charlotte Major all weekend to unlock exclusive Twitch Drops!
| Watch 3 Hours - HCS Major (Charm) - Battledrop Arrowfall (Charm) | Watch 6 Hours - Tarnished Lion (Bandit Model) - Bullseye(Multi-Use Weapon Coating) | Watch 9 Hours - Shattered Home (Mult-Use Armor Coating) | Watch 4 Hours (Co-streamers) - Necropolis Alabaster (Visor) - Icy (Charm) |
| A Stream: Twitch.tv/Halo B Stream: Twitch.tv/HCS C Stream: Twitch.tv/HCS_Red D Stream: Twitch.tv/HCS_Blue | All Streams: YouTube.com/@HCS Co-Streamers: Halo Infinite Live Streams |
TRAVEL
Planning your trip to Charlotte? Find everything you need here - from nearby airports and ground transportation options to recommended hotels just minutes from the venue.
- Airport: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- Venue: Charlotte Convention Center
- Ground Transportation: Uber | Lyft
- Hotels: Click here for a list of nearby hotels.
FAQ
Event FAQ
| When will the HCS Charlotte Major 2025 take place? | The HCS Charlotte Major 2025 will take place October 3-5, 2025. |
| Where is the event taking place? | The HCS Charlotte Major 2025 will take place at the Charlotte Convention Center 501 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202 |
| Where can I purchase tickets? | You can purchase tickets here. |
| I can't attend the event, but want to watch online. Where can I tune in? | You can tune into these links to watch the action: Twitch A stream - twitch.tv/halo B stream - twitch.tv/hcs C stream - twitch.tv/hcs_red D stream - twitch.tv/hcs_blue YouTube All Streams - YouTube.com/@HCS |
| Is there an age limit? | All 4v4 and FFA Players must be 13 years of age or older to compete at HCS Charlotte Major. Players 13 years of age or older require a signed parental consent form if under the age of 18. Spectators 13 years of age or older require a signed parental consent form if under the age of 18. Spectators under 13 years of age will need to be accompanied by guardian. Children ages 3 and under will not require a ticket, but will require a completed parental consent form and be accompanied by a guardian at all times. Download the Parental Consent Form. Please bring the completed form to the event and have ready to hand in at the ticketing desk. |
| What time do the doors open? | HCS Charlotte event door times are TBD. Check back at a later date! |
| Where should I park and is parking free? | Please refer to the Charlotte Convention Center Website for Parking Info. https://www.charlottemeetings.com/charlotte-convention-center |
| Do you have appropriate seating and parking for individuals with medical conditions? | The event is ADA compliant and accessible. |
| Are pets allowed? | Only service animals are allowed at the event. |
| What is your bag policy? | Bags up to 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed in the venue. All bags will be searched prior to entry. Bags that are not clear will be subject to additional search. |
| Are there any prohibited items? | Halo Championship Series Prohibited Items ACCEPTABLE: - Cosplay and other costumes determined to be safe by security - Prop/Replica weapons as part of cosplay or other costumes: Must be submitted to security for review. Cannot contain a functioning bolt mechanism or fire a projectile of any kind. Any bow-type weapons must be unstrung or strung with a low-tensile thread. All prop arrows must have soft, non-metal, blunted tips made out of foam or cardboard only. Cannot be pointed at any individual in such a way to cause fear of harm or distress. Cosplay firearms must have brightly colored safety tips. Must be visibly tagged and visually identified as “safe” or “peace bonded”. - Cell Phones - Action cameras, such as GoPro’s - Prescription medication (you must have the prescription/label in your name with you) PROHIBITED ITEMS* (below list is a guide, not all inclusive): - Illegal or illicit substances, drugs, or drug paraphernalia - Weapons of any kind including, but not limited to, guns, ammo, pocket knives, sharp-edge blades, self-defense sprays, or any item deemed as unsafe by security staff. - Flammable items or liquids including aerosols and fireworks - Bags larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″ max - Coolers, sleeping bags, tents, and chairs: An exception will be made for medically necessary items after thorough inspection. - Outside alcohol - Outside food and beverage - Bicycles, skateboards, hover-boards, scooters, or personal motorized vehicles - Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles - Animals except for service animals assisting an individual with a disability. “Comfort,” “therapy” or “emotional support” animals do not meet the ADA definition of a service animal. Security may permit working dogs or other animals as required. - Laser pens, laser pointers, or similar focused light devices - Noisemakers such as megaphones, air horns, sirens, whistles, or other devices which may interfere with others’ experience - Any item that is not lawfully permitted to be carried in the locality or City of Seattle - Additional items may be prohibited at the discretion of Microsoft staff or security *Note: Prohibited items and items determined to not be appropriate for entry into Halo Championship Series will be the responsibility of the attendee and cannot be accepted, stored, or checked by Microsoft or Convention Center. |
| What are the closest hotels to the event venue? | Please use this link to find nearby hotels options and rates. |
| I have other questions – where’s the best place to ask them? | For HCS program and eligibility questions, email us at HCS@ee.gg |
Player FAQ
| Where can I find the Event Rules? | Event Rules can be found HERE. |
| Where can I find the Handbook & Code of Conduct? | Click Below: - HCS Handbook - Code of Conduct |
| Will there be a Free-For-All (FFA) competition at this event? | Yes! The event will feature a free-to-enter Halo Infinite FFA tournament, which will be open for up to 256 players and spectators. Best of luck to those competing for their share of $5,000! The top 8 HCS Charlotte FFA finalists will also secure travel coverage to compete in the $25,000 FFA at the Halo World Championship. Must have a Spectator ticket to participate. Registration will take place on site! |
| I don't live in the US. Can I still compete in this tournament? | To check your specific country’s eligibility, please see the list of eligible countries as listed in the Handbook here. |
| Is there a limit to the number of teams eligible to compete in this tournament? | Yes. The 4v4 tournament open bracket has a max capacity of 64 teams. |
| When do rosters lock? | For Pool Play and Travel Coverage teams: 12:00 PM EST on Monday, September 8th, 2025 If teams earned travel coverage via the Charlotte Major Qualifier, they must retain that same roster. For all other teams, roster lock is Monday, September 29th at 12:00pm EST. |
| What equipment should I bring if I'm competing? | All players competing must bring: - Your preferred wired peripheral (Xbox wired Controller or Mouse and Keyboard) - USB cord required for your preferred peripheral - Headset with no power outlet and a 3.5 mm plug - Wired Earbuds (needed for Feature Station and Main Stage play) - If you plan on competing with Keyboard & Mouse, you must submit your model number for each device to hcs@ee.gg ahead of the event. Mixamps will be provided. Bringing backup equipment is recommended. |
| Which monitors will be used for the tournament? | All tournament and warmup monitors will be the Zowie XL2540K model. |
| How do I earn travel coverage? | Lodging and travel coverage will be offered to (12) pool play teams based on previous Major placement, placement in the Charlotte Major Qualifier, and HCS Points. Additionally, (1) NA team & (1) EU team will be granted travel coverage based on aggregate points after the Charlotte Major Qualifiers. Also, (1) ANZ team & (1) MX team will be granted travel coverage based on placing 1st in their respective Charlotte Open Championships. NA Players may qualify through: - Top four (4) placement in the Charlotte Major Qualifier. - Top two (2) in HCS points after the Charlotte Major Qualifier. EU Players may qualify through: - 1st place in the Charlotte Major Qualifier. - Top one (1) in HCS points after the Charlotte Major Qualifier. MX Players may qualify through: - 1st place in the Charlotte Open Championship. ANZ Players may qualify through: - 1st place in the Charlotte Open Championship. For further information including complete tournament format and seeding , please review the Event Rules. Note: Teams who earn travel coverage for the HCS Charlotte Major 2025, via the Charlotte Major Qualifier, must compete with the same roster. |
| How does travel coverage work? | More information on how to use earned travel coverage will be delivered to qualified teams after the completion of the Charlotte Major Qualifier. |
| What is the Prizing Breakdown? | HCS Major 4v4 - $250,000 prize pool 1st: $100,000 2nd: $60,000 3rd: $30,000 4th: $17,500 5th/6th: $8,000 7th/8th: $5,000 9th - 12th: $2,500 13th - 16th: $1,625 HCS Major Free-For-All - $5,000 prize pool 1st: $2,000 2nd: $1,200 3rd: $800 4th: $425 5th: $200 6th: $150 7th: $125 8th: $100 |
| What is the Pro Point Breakdown? | Pro Points Breakdown - HCS Major 4v4 (Team Total) 1st - 25,000 2nd - 15,000 3rd - 11,000 4th - 9,000 5th - 6th 8,000 7th - 8th 7,000 9th - 12th 5,500 13th - 16th 4,500 17th - 18th 3,000 19th- 20th 2,750 21st - 24th 2,250 25th - 28th 1,800 29th - 36th 1,600 37th - 44th 1,400 45th - 60th 1,000 61st - 76th 0 Pro Points Breakdown - HCS Major Free-For-All 1st: 15,000 2nd: 13,500 3rd: 12,750 4th: 12,000 5th: 11,250 6th: 10,500 7th: 9,750 8th: 9,000 9th - 10th: 6,000 11th - 12th: 5,250 13th - 14th: 4,500 15th - 16th: 3,750 17th - 20th: 2,800 21st - 24th: 2,450 25th - 28th: 2,000 29th - 32nd: 1,650 33rd - 40th: 1,300 41st - 48th: 1,125 49th - 56th: 950 57th - 64th: 750 65th - 128th: 375 |
| I have other questions – where’s the best place to ask them? | For HCS program and eligibility questions, email us at HCS@ee.gg |
Tickets FAQ
| What types of payment do you accept? Online and onsite? | All major credit cards are accepted. Cash payments will not be accepted at the event. |
| How will I get my tickets if I buy them online? | You will receive a confirmation email from Tixr with a QR code and printable tickets. Digital or print tickets will be accepted and scanned at the door at the event. |
| Do you offer refunds? | We offer refunds up till 7 days before the event. Note: Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable. |
| What if the event is cancelled? | If the event is cancelled all tickets purchased will be refunded in full. |
| Can I show my tickets on my phone at the door or do I need to have the physical tickets with me? | Digital or print tickets will be accepted and QR codes scanned upon entry. You must have all members of the parties accounted for with multiple tickets present to check in at the same time. Tickets are only scanned once. Fans will receive a wristband that corresponds with their ticket type. |
| Do you offer military or senior citizen discounts? | If you are purchasing a ticket online - please use the code MLT10 or SNR10 to receive 10% off your ticket. For the Military discount, please be prepared to present your Military ID. For a senior discount, you must be 55+ years of age. Any questions about codes or eligibility please email HCSeventsNA@ee.gg. |
| What does general admission mean? | General Admission (GA) refers to seating or standing areas that are not assigned or reserved. |
| Will my seats be together? | Seating or standing areas are occupied on a first-come, first-served basis. |
| Is my multi-day ticket good for either or both days? | 3 Day GA tickets are acceptable for all days of the event. You will receive a wristband or credentials that you must keep with you for all of the days to re-enter. |
| The name on the ticket doesn't match the attendee’s name. Is that okay? | This is allowed, however you must have all members of the parties accounted for with multiple tickets present to check in at the same time. Tickets are only scanned once. |