Esports
The Halo World Championship Kicks Off Next Weekend!
The Halo World Championship returns to Seattle, WA!
Join us next weekend October 13-15 for a full-on Halo-Fest! From the high-stakes HCS action to the Halo Community Stage, there will be something for every Halo fan to enjoy!
Watch your favorite pro teams duke it out for $1,000,000, meet Halo Devs and Creators, and see all the incredible cosplay with your own eyes!
Don't miss your chance to attend live - TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
Key Info
- Date: October 13-15
- Location: Seattle, WA
- Event Type: Invite Only (Top 16 Global)
- Broadcast: Twitch and YouTube
- Spectator Tickets: Available Now!
- 4v4 Prize Pool: $1,000,000
- FFA Prize Pool: $25,000
- Cosplay Contest: $5,000
- HaloWC 2023 Rules: Click Here
- 2023 Player Handbook: Click Here
- 2023 Code of Conduct: Click Here
Event Schedule
Check out the HaloWC Event Schedule and plan your weekend accordingly!
| Friday Oct. 13 10:00a PT - (Pro Player) Doors Open - (VIP) $25K FFA Check-in @ Registration Desk 10:30a PT - (VIP) Doors Open - (GA) $25K FFA Check-in @ Registration Desk 11:00a PT - (GA) Doors Open - VIP Production Tour 11:30a PT - $25K FFA Check-in Ends 12:00p PT - Main Broadcast Starts (Pool Play) - Community Stage Broadcast Starts - $25K FFA Starts 2:00p PT - Sentinels $5K 2v2 Check-in Starts 3:00p PT - Sentinels $5K 2v2 Check-in Ends 3:15p PT - Sentinels $5K 2v2 Starts 4:00p PT - Halo 5 2v2 Check-in Starts 4:30p PT - Halo 5 2v2 Starts 7:00p PT - $25K FFA Ends 8:00p PT - Community Stage Activity Ends 9:00p PT - Main Broadcast Ends - Halo 5 2v2 stops at Finals 9:30p PT - Sentinels $5K 2v2 Ends 9:45p PT - Doors Close | Saturday Oct. 14 10:00a PT - Doors Open 10:30a PT - Halo 5 2v2 Finals - Halo Infinite 2v2 Check-in Starts 11:30a PT - Halo Infinite 2v2 Check-in Ends 12:00p PT - Main Broadcast Starts - Community Stage Broadcast Starts - Halo Infinite 2v2 Starts 2:00p PT - Halo 3 4v4 Check-in Starts 2:30p PT - Halo 3 4v4 Starts 4:45p PT - Halo 3 2v2 Check-in Starts - Halo 2 4v4 Check-in Starts 5:15p PT - Halo 3 2v2 Starts - Halo 2 4v4 Starts 7:30p PT - Main Broadcast Ends 8:00p PT - Community Stage Activity Ends 9:30p PT - Doors Close | Sunday Oct. 15 10:00a PT - (Pro Player) Doors Open 11:00a PT - (GA + VIP) Doors Open 12:00p PT - Broadcast Starts 5:00p PT (Tentative) - Grand Finals 8:00p PT (Tentative) - Broadcast Ends 9:15p PT - Doors Close |
Venue, Tickets, and Team Passes
- Venue: Seattle Convention Center
- Address: The Arch, Halls DEF, 705 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
- Tickets: Available Now!
3-Day General Admission - $75
- GA Access to the event Friday, Saturday, Sunday
- Ability to Sign-Up for the Free For All Competition
- General Attendees will receive a Halo Waypoint token that unlocks all in-game items provided as Twitch Drops over the event weekend.
3-Day VIP Package- $250 (SOLD OUT!)
- Early Entry to the Venue on Friday (Get the first look at the stage and venue)
- Dedicated Entry Line at Check-In
- Chance to win one (1) VIP tour of 343 Industries Development Studio for you and a friend
- Will receive a Halo World Championship 2023 VIP swag bag
- Access to the VIP Lounge and private bar
- Limited Edition VIP Credential
- Exclusive Production Tour on Friday morning with backstage access and onstage photo opportunity.
- A rundown of the venue and various areas including knowledge and insight on what it takes to get everything set up and working
- The tour ends with an opportunity to get on the main stage for a group photo
- More information will be emailed out closer to the event
- Early access to the Free-for-All Competition Check-in (30 minutes before general admission).
- Chance to win exclusive giveaways
- 10% off on HCS Apparel and Merchandise
- VIPs will receive a Halo Waypoint token that unlocks all in-game items provided as Twitch Drops over the event weekend
Partnered Team 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 below codes at check out to receive a 10% discount on your tickets. When you save 10%, the Teams receive 10%.
If you use a team's code, be sure to share on socials and tag the teams so they know you've supported them!
- Military Discount: MLT for 10% off
- Senior Discount: SNR for 10% off
Broadcast Schedule
Where To Watch
Catch the HaloWC 2023 action across 4 streams!
- A Stream: Twitch.tv/Halo | YouTube/HaloEsportsHCS
- B Stream: Twitch.tv/HCS | YouTube/HaloEsportsHCS
- C Stream: Twitch.tv/HCS_Red | YouTube.com/HaloEsportsHCS
- D Stream: Twitch.tv/HCS_Blue | YouTube.com/HaloEsportsHCS
Talent
Presenting the World-Class talent calling all the shots at the Halo World Championship 2023!
Exclusive Twitch Drops
As with every HCS event, exclusive Twitch Drops will be up for grabs!
Keep an eye on @HCS on Twitter to see when the HaloWC 2023 Twitch Drops are announced!
Tournament Format
The Halo World Championship 2023 will feature the Top 16 teams, globally.
- 16-Team Pool Play
- 12-Team Championship Bracket (Double Elimination)
- Best of 5s until Grand Finals (Best of 7)
Pool Play + Qualified Teams
- 16-Team Pool Play
- Single Round Robin, Best-of-5
- 1st/2nd in Pools advance to Winners Round 1
- 3rd in Pools move on to Elimination Round 1
- 4th in Pools are Eliminated
Seeding
The Top 8 from the HCS Fort Worth Major have locked in those respective seeds in Pool Play at the HaloWC 2023.
Following HCS Fort Worth, the remaining 8 HaloWC Pool Play slots were claimed by teams in each region with the most HCS Points.
HaloWC 2023 Seeding Breakdown:
- 1-8: Top 8 from HCS Fort Worth
- 9-12: Top 4 NA HCS points
- 13-14: Top 2 EU HCS points
- 15: MX Regional Playoff Winner
- 16: ANZ Regional Playoff Winner
HCS FFA Tournament, Presented by US Marine Corps
The $25,000 Free-For-All tournament returns at the Halo World Championship 2023!
FFA Prize Pool Breakdown:
- 1st: $10,000
- 2nd: $6,000
- 3rd: $4,000
- 4th: $2,125
- 5th: $1,000
- 6th: $750
- 7th: $625
- 8th: $500
Stay tuned for more details!
HCS Side Tournaments
If you're joining us live at the HaloWC, it won't be hard to find the thrill of competition!
Pre-register for the Halo Infinite 2v2s at hcs.ee.gg.
- Participants will need to bring their own peripherals! (Headset + Input Devices)
| SEN City 2v2 Throwdown by Sentinels (Halo Infinite) | Friday Oct. 13th @ 3:15p PT (Check-in @ 2:00-3:00p) | 1st. $2,500 2nd. $1,500 3rd. $750 4th. $250 | - Platform: PC - Team Cap: 48 - Single Elim Bracket - Best of 3 (until Finals, Best of 5) - Maps: Aquarius, Live Fire, Recharge, Solitude - Pre-register at hcs.ee.gg |
| Halo 5 2v2 | Friday Oct. 13th @ 3:30p PT (Check-in @ 4:00-4:30p) The Finals will take place on Saturday Morning! | 1st. $750 2nd. $250 | - Platform: Xbox - Team Cap: 48 - Single Elim Bracket - Best of 3 (until Finals, Best of 5) - Maps: Plaza, Regret, Truth - Registration is first come, first served |
| Halo Infinite 2v2 | Saturday Oct. 14th @ 12:00p PT (Check-in 10:30-11:30a) | 1st. $1,000 2nd. $400 | - Platform: Xbox - Team Cap: 32 - Single Elim Bracket - Best of 3 (until Finals, Best of 5) - Maps: Aquarius, Live Fire, Recharge, Solitude - Pre-register at hcs.ee.gg |
| MCC Halo 3 4v4 | Saturday Oct. 14th @ 2:30p PT (Check-in @ 2:00p) | 1st. $1,000 | - Platform: Xbox - Team Cap: 8 - Single Elim Bracket - Best of 3 (until Finals, Best of 5) - Maps & Modes: Classic Competitive (MLG v8) - Registration is first come, first served |
| MCC Halo 3 2v2 | Saturday Oct. 14th @ 5:15p PT (Check-in @ 4:45p) | 1st. $600 | - Platform: Xbox - Team Cap: 16 - Single Elim Bracket - Best of 3 (until Finals, Best of 5) - Maps & Modes: Classic Competitive (MLG v8) - Registration is first come, first served |
| MCC Halo 2 4v4 | Saturday Oct. 14th @ 5:15p PT (Check-in @ 4:45p) | 1st. $1,000 | - Platform: Xbox - Team Cap: 8 - Single Elim Bracket - Best of 3 (until Finals, Best of 5) - Maps & Modes: Classic Competitive (MLG/Hardcore) - Registration is first come, first served |
Halo Community Stage
From the Dev Panels to the Crowd Games, the Halo Community Stage was a big hit last year, and we're glad to be bringing it back!
Full details, including Special Guests and Panel Times, will be released at a later date!
$5,000 Cosplay Contest
The Cosplay Contest returns to the Halo World Championship, with a $5,000 reward up for grabs!
This year, contestants will compete in two initial heats of 12 participants (for a total of 24 participants) on Friday and Saturday and will be judged on four categories: Execution, Creativity, Complexity, and Accuracy. The three contestants with the top scores in each heat will move on to the final, held on Sunday, on the HCS Main Stage.
The Cosplay Contest has its own unique ticket—the Cosplay Contest Pass, which you can get here.
The Cosplay Contest Pass includes general access to the event for all three days and enables your participation in the Cosplay Contest. Cosplayers should pick which of the initial Heat 01 days work best for them, and each day is capped at 12 participants on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Note that should you be invited to the Cosplay Contest Finals, you MUST be available to participate on Saturday, October 14 (time is TBD).
If you already purchased a General Admission or VIP Pass, you will be refunded the value of the General Admission Pass within the next 24-48 hours after purchasing a Cosplay Pass.
In order to facilitate communication, contestants will be asked to join the official Halo Discord server.
- Registration: If you're interested in participating, please make a submission to HaloWC 2023 Cosplay Contest Form.
- Once capacity for each day is reached, you make make your interest to participate known by being added to the waitlist (same form).
- You'll be contacted if a spot is available.
- No purchase necessary.
- Schedule (2-day event)
- Friday - Day 1 Qualifiers (up to 12 participants)
- Saturday - Day 2 Qualifiers (12 participants)
- Top 3 scores as determined by the judges from both qualifiers will be invited to the finals taking place Saturday evening
- Rules:
Travel
- Airport: SeaTac International Airport (SEA)
- Ground Transportation: Uber| Lyft
- Hotels: Click here for a list of nearby hotels.
FAQ
| When will the Halo World Championship 2023 take place? | The Halo World Championship 2023 will take place October 13-15, 2023. |
| Where is the event taking place? | The Halo World Championship 2023 will take place at the Seattle Convention Center located at 705 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101. |
| Where can I purchase tickets? | You can purchase Spectator Passes HERE. |
| I can't attend the event, but want to watch online. Where can I tune in? | Catch all the action live October 13-15, 2023. A Stream: Twitch.tv/Halo - YouTube.com/HaloEsportsHCS B Stream: Twitch.tv/HCS - YouTube.com/HaloEsportsHCS C Stream: Twitch.tv/HCS_Red - YouTube.com/HaloEsportsHCS D Stream: Twitch.tv/HCS_Blue - YouTube.com/HaloEsportsHCS Check back here for broadcast start times each day. |
| How can I request a Press and Media pass? | Fill out this form: Press and Media Pass Request Form A member of the Xbox Press and Media team will reach out if your submission is approved. For additional questions, please contact us at xboxpress@assemblyinc.com |
| Is there an age limit? | All 4v4 and FFA Players must be 13 years of age or older to compete at the Halo World Championship 2023. 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 if I am under the age limit at the time of qualification but meet the age requirements by the event date? Can I still participate? | Players will need to be of age by September 1st, 2023 |
| What time do the doors open? | Check back here for door open times. Door open times and schedules are subject to change |
| Where should I park and is parking free? | You can check the Seattle Convention Center website for all parking options near the event. |
| 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. |
| I am with the press and would like to cover the event. Who should I reach out to for information and Press Access? | More information on how to apply for Press Access will be released at 5 weeks out from the event. Check back here at a later date for updated information. |
| I have other questions – where’s the best place to ask them? | For Seattle specific questions, email us at HCSeventsNA@ee.gg For HCS program and eligibility questions, email us at HCS@ee.gg |
| Are there any prohibited items? | Halo Championship Series Prohibited Items ACCEPTABLE: - 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 lager 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 is your bag policy? | Spectators: All Bags must be clear and under 12in x 12in x 6in to be allowed in the venue, and are subject to wanding and searches as needed. Wallets and wristlets no larger than 5in x 8in x 1in are permitted - Anything larger must follow the clear bag guidelines. |
| What are the closest hotels to the event venue? | Please use this link to find nearby hotels options and rates. |
| Where can I find the Event Rules? | TBD |
| Where can I find the Handbook & Code of Conduct? | You can find the HCS Handbook & Code of Conduct by clicking here. |
| Will there be a Free-For-All (FFA) competition at this event? | Yes! The event will feature a free-to-enter Halo FFA tournament, which will be open to all players and spectators! Best of luck to those competing for their shot at the $25,000 prize pool! Must have a Spectator ticket or Player Pass to participate. Spectators and Players will be able to preregister at hcs.ee.gg. All players will be required to create and maintain an Esports Engine account to participate and pre-register before check-in on site. Check-In times will be posted closer to the event. |
| I don't live in the United States. 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 competition will feature 16 invited teams. No open bracket. The FFA competition will feature a maximum of 512 competitors. |
| When do rosters lock? | Rosters must be maintained from the Fort Worth Major. |
| 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 preffered 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 played on BenQ Model XL2540K |
| How do I earn travel coverage? | Lodging and travel coverage will be offered to the Top 8 Teams from Fort Worth, as well as (4) NA teams, (2) EU teams, (1) ANZ team & (1) MX Team. NA Players may qualify through: - Placing Top 8 at Ft. Worth. - Top 4 from HCS Points. EU Players may qualify through: - Placing Top 8 at Ft. Worth. - Top 2 from HCS points. ANZ Players may qualify through: - Placing Top 8 at Ft. Worth. - Winning regional qualifier at Fort Worth. MX Players may qualify through: - Placing Top 8 at Ft. Worth. - Winning regional qualifier at Fort Worth. Note: Teams who earn travel coverage for the Halo World Championship 2023 via the Fort Worth Major must compete with their full roster from that tournament. (No roster changes will be permitted) |
| How does travel coverage work? | All teams from NA, EU, MX and ANZ will be contacted after they qualify to collect their information for travel booking. Esports Engine will provide a stipend for players and teams who qualify for travel coverage. It is up to each player and team to book their own flights. |
| What is the Prizing Breakdown? | HaloWC 2023 4v4: $1,000,000 1st: $400,000 2nd: $220,000 3rd: $110,000 4th: $70,000 5th/6th: $45,000 7th/8th: $25,000 9th - 12th: $10,000 13th - 16th: $5,000 HaloWC 2023 FFA: $25,000 1st: $10,000 2nd: $6,000 3rd: $4,000 4th: $2,125 5th: $1,000 6th: $750 7th: $625 8th: $500 |
| I am a pool play team. What are my media day requirements? | Pool Play Teams are required to be present onsite at the venue for media day, which takes place all day Thursday October 12th, 2023. A schedule will be sent to your team closer to the event if you qualify. |
| 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 Eventbrite with a QR code and printable tickets. Digital or print tickets will be accepted and scanned at the door at the event. |
| What if my tickets are lost or stolen? | Please contact HCSeventsNA@ee.gg for more information. |
| 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 MLT (for Military) or SNR (for Senior) 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. |
| Will my seats be together? | GA seats are not assigned or reserved, and are occupied on a first-come, first-served basis. |
| What should I do if I don't receive my tickets? | Please contact HCSeventsNA@ee.gg for more information. |
| Is my multi-day ticket good for either or both days? | 3 Day GA or VIP 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. |
| What does a VIP ticket include? | Halo World Championship VIP Package includes: - Early Entry to the Venue on Friday (Get the first look at the stage and venue) - Dedicated Entry Line at Check-In - Chance to win one (1) VIP tour of 343 Industries Development Studio for you and a friend - Halo World Championship 2023 VIP swag bag - Access to the VIP Lounge and private bar - Limited Edition VIP Credential - Exclusive Production Tour on Friday morning with backstage access and onstage photo opportunity. - A rundown of the venue and various areas including knowledge and insight on what it takes to get everything set up and working - The tour ends with an opportunity to get on the main stage for a group photo (More information will be emailed out closer to the event.) - Early access to the Free-for-All Competition Check-in (30 minutes before general admission). - Chance to win exclusive giveaways - 10% off on HCS Apparel and Merchandise - VIPs will receive a Halo Waypoint token that unlocks all in-game items provided as Twitch Drops over the event weekend |