Halo World Championship – LIVE NOW (Oct 24-26)
The biggest Halo event of the year returns to Seattle THIS WEEKEND for the Halo World Championship 2025! Join fans from around the globe to witness electrifying plays, a thunderous crowd, and a celebration of Halo like no other.
Whether you're into watching dev panels at the Halo Community Stage, playing in side tournaments, checking out cosplay, or just soaking in the atmosphere, there’s something here for everyone! Don’t miss your chance to watch live as the best players in the world compete for their share of $1,000,000.
CONTENTS
- Key Info
- Where to watch
- Community Stage
- Event Schedule
- Format & Standings
- Side Tournaments
- Event Experience
- Twitch Drops
- Travel
- FAQ
ROAD TO HALOWC BLOG
Follow along with our monthly blog series dedicated to bringing you the latest and greatest for this year's Halo World Championship!
KEY INFO
| Date: October 24-26 Location: Seattle, WA Venue: Seattle Convention Center | GA Tickets: SOLD OUT! VIP Tickets: SOLD OUT! Watch: Twitch + YouTube | Infinite 4v4: $1,000,000 Infinite FFA: $25,000 Side Tournaments: $6,500 |
WHEN & WHERE TO WATCH
Catch every moment of the Halo World Championship 2025!
From the $1,000,000 Halo Infinite Grand Finale to the Halo Studios Project Update, Esports Check-in, and Community Stage programming, tune in all weekend long across official Halo and Xbox broadcast channels.
| 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 | Community Stage TTV: Twitch.tv/Xbox Community Stage YT: YouTube.com/Halo Co-Streamers: Halo Infinite Live Streams |
MATCH SCHEDULE
For real-time tournament updates, be sure to follow @HCS on socials!
HALO COMMUNITY STAGE
Over the years the Community Stage has played a critical role in giving a home for non-esports Halo fans and helping fulfil our vision of having HaloWC be a “Halo Fest” of sorts.
We're excited to share that the Community Stage will once again return with many familiar panels, as well as some new ones. As usual, the Community Stage will be live on Friday and Saturday of the event for a full 8-hours of programming each day.
No matter why you love Halo, we want the HaloWC to feel like it has something for everyone, and the Community Stage will continue to be a space where you can connect, share, and celebrate what you love!
EVENT SCHEDULE
Pacific Time Zone (PT)
TICKETS
Tickets are SOLD OUT for the Halo World Championship.
Thank you to everyone who grabbed a ticket. We can't wait to see you at the biggest HaloWC yet!
HALOWC COMPETITION
The Halo World Championship is the ultimate battleground, and the stakes have never been higher!
This is the $1,000,000 Halo Infinite 4v4 Grand Finale, serving as both the epic conclusion to the 2025 season and the final official HCS Halo Infinite tournament. History will be made as one team cements their legacy as the last-ever Halo Infinite World Champions.
But that’s not all - fans can jump into the action too! The $25,000 Halo Infinite FFA returns as the biggest solo showdown of the season, and it will be open to all attendees. And throughout the weekend, Side Tournaments featuring various Halo titles give players of all skill levels a chance to throw down for cash and glory!
$1,000,000 HALO INFINITE 4V4 CHAMPIONSHIP
This is Halo Infinite at its absolute peak.
Witness the epic finale of the 2025 HCS Season. With everything on the line, only one team will rise above the rest, etching their name in history as Halo World Champions.
FORMAT & STANDINGS
The HaloWC 2025 4v4 tournament format will feature:
- 16-Team Pool Play (4th in Pools are eliminated)
- 12-Team Champ Bracket (Double Elimination)
- Friday & Saturday: All Best-of-5 Series'
- Champ Sunday: All Best-of-7 Series'
$1M 4V4 PRIZE BREAKDOWN
- 1st: $400,000
- 2nd: $220,000
- 3rd: $110,000
- 4th: $70,000
- 5-6: $45,000
- 7-8: $25,000
- 9-12: $10,000
- 13-16: $5,000
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!
POOL PLAY
Congratulations to your 16 HaloWC qualified teams!
- 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 $1,000,000 and the title of Halo World Champions!
- 12-Team Double Elimination
HALO SIDE TOURNAMENTS
Grab your squad and jump into the fight!
Side Tournaments let you throw down with friends in a variety of Halo titles - classic and current. It’s all about fun, bragging rights, and getting in on the action while you’re at the HaloWC.
Registration will take place on site and will be first come, first served, so make sure to show up early and ready to play!
Friday - October 24
| Halo Infinite - 2v2 - Prize: 1st/$1,050, 2nd/$450 - Team Cap: 64 - Registration: 11a-12p PT - Start: 12:00p PT | Halo 5 - 2v2 - Prize: 1st/$700, 2nd/$300 - Team Cap: 16 - Registration: 1:15-2:15p PT - Start: 2:30p PT | Halo Infinite - S&D Extraction 4v4 - Prize: 1st/$525 (2x), 2nd/$225 (2x) - Team Cap: 16 - Note: (2) 8-team tournaments will run simultaneously - Registration: 2:15-3:15 PT - Start: 3:30p PT |
Saturday - October 25
| Halo Infinite - FFA - Prize Pool: $25,000 - Player Cap: 256 - Registration: (VIPs 10a, GA 10:30a PT) End at 11:45a - Start: 12:00p PT | Halo 2 MCC - 4v4 - Prize: 1st/$1,050, 2nd/$450 - Team Cap: 16 - Registration: 2:30-3:30p PT - Start: 3:45p PT | Halo 3 MCC- 2v2 - Prize: 1st/$700, 2nd/$300 - Team Cap: 16 - Registration: 4-5p PT - Start: 5:15p PT |
Keep up with the Side Tournament standings and results by checking out HCSLAN.com.
$25,000 HALO INFINITE FREE-FOR-ALL
Think you’ve got what it takes? The $25,000 Halo Infinite Free-for-All is open to all attendees - so whether you're a rising star or a hometown hero, this is your chance to shine. Sign up, battle through the gauntlet, and prove you're the best Spartan in the building. Glory (and cash) awaits!
Registration will take place on site and will be first come, first served.
FFA PRIZE BREAKDOWN
- 1st: $10,000
- 2nd: $6,000
- 3rd: $4,000
- 4th: $2,125
- 5th: $1,000
- 6th: $750
- 7th: $625
- 8th: $500
HALOWC EVENT EXPERIENCE
This is more than a tournament - it’s a celebration of all things Halo.
Whether you’re a hardcore competitor or just here for the vibes, the Halo World Championship has something for everyone! Aside from the intense competition, you can check out the amazing cosplay, and enjoy dev panels, games, merch booths, and more. You’ll even find Free Play stations to dive into the action yourself!
BTB BONANZA IV
The Big Team Battle of the ages.
We're hyped to announce return of the BTB Bonanza! Watch live Saturday October 25 @ 7:30 PM PT as Walshy assembles his (big) team and takes on the defending BTB Bonanza Champion, Goldenboy!
Miss the first 3 BTB Bonanza's? Check them out below!
SPECIAL GUESTS
This year we’re excited to welcome back Steve Downes and Jen Taylor, the voices of the Master Chief and Cortana. Halo events are always more special with these two in attendance and we’re very thankful to have them joining us once again for HaloWC.
Steve and Jen will only be in attendance Friday and Saturday of the event where they’ll be participating in fun panels on the Community Stage, signing sessions for all fans, as well as VIP-exclusive photo opportunities. We'll be sharing their detailed schedule closer to the event date.
Thank you once again Steve and Jen, we can’t wait to see you here in Seattle!
$5,000 COSPLAY CONTEST
Speaking of cosplay – We're also excited to confirm that the Cosplay Contest is returning with yet another $5,000 prize pool!
We were absolutely in awe of the amazing craftsmanship and creativity that went into all of the beautiful builds last year, and we cannot wait to see what you’ve all be cooking up this year. Whether you decide to participate in the contest or not, we welcome all cosplayers to join us at the event for a good time. And as usual, we will have dedicated repair and changing rooms for cosplayers to use on site.
$2,500 HALO MAKER'S CONTEST
Related, but totally new to this year’s HaloWC, is a Halo Maker’s Contest.
In the community we see not only a lot of fans building armors to wear, but also weapons and other gadgets from the Halo universe and lore whether they’re human, Covenant, Forerunner or something else. We wanted to officially recognize this craft at the event and look forward to welcoming all participants. With a prize pool of $2,500, we’re hoping to see the finest handcrafted or printed items that the Halo community is able to offer.
NOTE: All Entries must be fabricated by the maker. The use of Laser cutters, 3d printers, C&C machines are all allowed but the design must be created and owned by the maker!
We just wanted to get the word out so the community out there can start thinking about what they’d like to build. We’ll have the full rules of these competitions in the coming months!
HALO MERCH & HCS PARTNER BOOTHS
Mark the end of an era with limited-edition gear - Available to fans joining us live at the Halo World Championship!
HaloWC Merch Prices:
- HaloWC 2025 Tee - $30.00
- HaloWC 2025 Snapback Hat - $32.00
- HaloWC 2025 Crewneck - $70
- HaloWC 2025 Zip-up Hoodie: $75
Swing by Halo and HCS Partner Booths to grab exclusive event merch, meet your favorite pros, and score some epic giveaways. From collectibles to your next favorite hoodie, the HaloWC is your one-stop-shop to rep Halo in style.
List of HaloWC booths:
- Halo Gear Shop
- Cloud9
- FaZe Clan
- Shopify Rebellion
- Spacestation
- TSM
- Gamers Outreach
FREE PLAY AREA
The Free Play Area is open to all attendees and offers a relaxed space to experience Halo at your own pace. Whether you're warming up or trying out new content, it's the perfect spot to play your way!
Twitch Drops
Tune into HaloWC all weekend to unlock exclusive Twitch Drops!
Need help claiming your drops? Head to aka.ms/DropsHelp.
- Watch Main Stream for 3 Hours: HaloWC Trophy + Natal Ivory (Charms)
- Watch Main Stream for 6 Hours: Sportstek 2556 (Bandit Model), Field Test + HaloWC 2024 (Multi-Use Weapon Coatings)
- Watch Main Stream for 9 Hours: Fire Squire + HaloWC 2024 (Multi-Use Armor Coatings)
- Watch Community Stage for 90 Min: Undertow Husk (Multi-Use Armor Coating)
- Watch Co-Streamers for 4 Hours: MKVII [H] (Helmet), Flying High (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 | Community Stage TTV: Twitch.tv/Xbox Community Stage YT: YouTube.com/Halo Co-Streamers: Halo Infinite Live Streams |
Joining us live in Seattle? Don't worry, attendees will pick up a Code Card at check-in that grants ALL HaloWC Twitch Drops, including the In-person Exclusive HaloWC Ring and Natal Clear charms!
On-Air Talent
Presenting the HaloWC talent calling the shots for Halo Infinite's last dance with the HCS.
- Hosts: Lottie (Desk) & Blaze (Stage)
- Casters: Bravo, Onset, Sherzy, Gaskin, Walshy, and Goldenboy
- Analysts: Clutch, YNOT, Goofy
TRAVEL
Planning your trip to Seattle for HaloWC 2025? Find everything you need here - from nearby airports and ground transportation options to recommended hotels just minutes from the venue.
- Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- Ground Transportation: Uber | Lyft
- Hotels: Click here for a list of nearby hotels.
FAQ
Got questions? We’ve got answers. Check out the FAQ for everything you need to know before heading to HaloWC 2025!
Event FAQ
| When will the Halo World Championship 2025 take place? | The Halo World Championship 2025 will take place October 24-26, 2025. |
| Where is the event taking place? | The Halo World Championship will take place at the Seattle Convention Center - Arch. - 705 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101 |
| Where can I purchase tickets? | You can purchase HaloWC Tickets HERE. |
| Where can I apply for Press/Media credentials? | If you would like to apply for Press Access please make a submission in this HaloWC 2025 Press and Media Form. Please reach out to xboxpress@assemblyinc.com if you have any questions. |
| 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 Halo World Championship. 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 5 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? | Here are projected Door Times (Be sure to check back in closer to the event for final times): Friday - October 24 - 9:00 AM: Pro Players - 10:00 AM: VIPs - 11:00 AM: GA Saturday - October 25 - 9:00 AM: Pro Players - 10:00 AM: GA and VIPs Sunday - October 26 - 10:00 AM: Pro Players - 11:00 AM: GA and VIPs |
| Where should I park and is parking free? | Please refer to the Seattle Convention Center Website for Parking Info. https://seattleconventioncenter.com/ |
| 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? | Spectator and attendees: 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. |
| 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 event questions and inquiries please email HCSeventsNA@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 512 players and spectators. Best of luck to those competing for their share of $25,000! 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. |
| 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. |
| What is the Prizing Breakdown? | HaloWC 4v4 - $1,000,000 prize pool 1st: $400,000 2nd: $220,000 3rd: $110,000 4th: $70,000 5-6: $45,000 7-8: $25,000 9-12: $10,000 13-16: $5,000 HaloWC Free-For-All - $25,000 prize pool 1st: $10,000 2nd: $6,000 3rd: $4,000 4th: $2,125 5th: $1,000 6th: $750 7th: $625 8th: $500 |
| I have other questions – where’s the best place to ask them? | For event questions and inquiries please email HCSeventsNA@ee.gg. |
Ticket 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 Eventbrite 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 4 days before the event. Note: Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable. |
| Does my child need a ticket? | Children 5 and under can attend for free and do not require a ticket, badge or wristband. They must be accompanied by an adult at all times. A parental consent form is required when the adult picks up their badge onsite. FORM: https://aka.ms/hcs-parental-form |
| 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 MILITARY or 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. |
| 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. |