Event Details

Live from Raleigh, North Carolina, the Halo Championship Series makes its way back to the east coast for HCS Kickoff Major Raleigh 2021! Teams from around the world will battle it out on December 17 - 19 in the first official Halo Infinite esports event ever. Whether you're looking to attend and compete in person, or will be watching from home, you won't want to miss this historic event.

Watch Live: Twitch & YouTube

Full Details:

• Announce Blog
• Event Page
• Event Teaser

Tournament Format

Open Bracket

The top 16 teams from the Open Bracket will be entered into the Championship Bracket, with 8 from the Open Bracket winners added to Championship winners, and top 8 from the elimination portion of the Open Bracket added to the elimination portion of the Championship Bracket.

Pool Play

We will be providing accommodation and travel stipends for 16 qualified teams made up of teams from North America, Latin America, Europe, and Australia / New Zealand. Teams will be drawn into 4 pools of 4 where they will play in a single round robin format. The Top 2 teams from each pool receive a bye and are added to the 2nd round of the winner’s portion of the Championship Bracket. The bottom 2 teams from each pool are added to the 1st round of the winner's portion of the Championship Bracket where they will compete with the top 8 from the open bracket.

Championship Bracket

In the end, a 32 team double elimination-style championship bracket will determine the tournament winner. This is the culmination of both the open bracket and pool play, the winner will take home the lion’s share of the $250,000 starting prize pool.

Spectator Tickets

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%. 

• FAZE
• ENVY
• SPACESTATION
• EUNITED
• NAVI
• G2
• CLOUD9
• SENTINELS
• FNATIC

TICKETS ARE NOW SOLD OUT!

Player Registration

For the first time ever the top teams from around the world will compete in Halo Infinite! The stakes are high for the HCS Kickoff Major Raleigh 2021, with a $250,000 starting 4v4 prize pool!

Competitors: head to hcs.ee.gg to manage your team and roster.

• Team Passes for Raleigh 2021 are SOLD OUT!
• Keep an eye on the @HCS twitter for updates on future team passes.

Travel

• Venue: Raleigh Convention Center
• Airport: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
• Ground Transportation: Uber, Lyft
• Hotels: The below list are hotels within a mile of the venue:
  • Holiday Inn Raleigh Downtown
  • Hampton Inn and Suites Midtown
  • Sheraton Hotel Raleigh
  • Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown
  • Other nearby hotels (Google Maps)

Event Schedule

Times are ET*

FAQ

COVID Compliance Requirements: Required of all guests entering the event.

Prior to Arrival Onsite:

• All guests must check in and present proof of vaccination via the Microsoft HealthCheck App.
• Upload your proof of vaccination on the HealthCheck before entering the convention center.
• For persons without proof of vaccination, you must provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours/ December 14-16, 2021.
• Fully vaccinated for this event will need a proof of vaccination status that is approved by CDC/WHO.
• These badges for entry to the event via the app will look like:
  • Vaccination badge by Microsoft HealthCheck: A green checkmark with name and date.
  • Daily Health Screening by Microsoft HealthCheck: A yellow clipboard/check with name and date.
• Please refer to this COVID Safety Reference Sheet for the Raleigh North Carolina area for all destination-specific appointments and needs.

Upon Arrival Onsite:

• ENTER VIA: Via the Salisbury Main Entrance to the venue. This is the only point of entry for the entire weekend.
• Check in to the Microsoft HealthCheck App to take your daily symptom test check and have the badge up on your phone for COVID officers to check.
  • A badge PER Person/Ticket will be REQUIRED.
• Have proof of vaccination via the Microsoft HealthCheck App or PCR test results up on your phone for COVID officers to check.
• If unable to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test you WILL NOT be permitted to enter the event.

Masks Mandate

• Per North Carolina Covid safety rules masks will be required to be worn by all persons who enter the Raleigh Convention Center. Pending our COVID plan approval by the RCC, we will be allowed to have specialized groups un-mask while performing their work duties, or while eating. After doing so, they will be asked to put back on their masks until that need arises again.
• Masks will be made available upon request.

Security Access

• ENTER VIA: Via the South Salisbury Street Main Entrance to the venue.
• All persons will receive a wristband or credential as needed that will need to be presented for entry throughout the weekend.
• There will be a bag check and wanding, no bags that are NOT clear or LARGER than 12x12x6” will NOT BE PERMITTED.

Event FAQ

When will the HCS Raleigh Global Major take place?

• The HCS Kickoff Major Raleigh 2021 will take place Dec 17th - 19th, 2021.

Where is the event taking place?

• The HCS Kickoff Major Raleigh 2021 will take place at the Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601, Hall B.

Where can I purchase tickets?

• You can purchase Spectator & VIP passes here.
• You can purchase Team Passes here.

I can't attend the event, but want to watch online. Where can I tune in?

• You can watch online at Twitch.tv/Halo andTtwitch.tv/HCS
• Broadcast times for each day:
  • Friday, Dec 17th: 12:00 PM ET
  • Saturday, Dec 18th: 1:00 PM ET
  • Sunday, Dec 19th: 10:00 AM ET

Is there an age limit?

• All 4v4 and FFA Players must be 13 years of age or older to compete at HCS Kickoff Major Raleigh 2021. 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 2 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 December 17th, 2021. 

What time do the doors open?

• Friday, Dec 17th, 2021
  • VIP: 9:30 AM
  • GA: 10:00 AM

• Saturday, Dec 18th, 2021
  • VIP: 8:30 AM
  • GA: 9:00 AM

• Sunday, Dec 19th, 2021
  • VIP: 8:30 AM
  • GA: 9:00 AM

• Door open times and schedules are subject to change

Where should I park and is parking free?

• You can check here for all paid 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?

• Please email us at HCSeventsNA@ee.gg for this type of request.

I have other questions – where’s the best place to ask them?

• For Raleigh 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?

• ACCEPTABLE:
  • CLEAR bags 12'x12'x6' or smaller
  • 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
  • ANY bag larger than 12'x12'x6'
  • 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 Raleigh
  • 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 Raleigh Convention Center.

What is your bag policy?

• All Bags must be clear and under 12x12x6 to be allowed in the venue, and are subject to wanding and searches as needed

What are the closest hotels to the event venue?

• The below list are hotels within a mile of the venue, Raleigh Convention Center:
  • Holiday Inn Raleigh Downtown
  • Hampton Inn and Suites Midtown
  • Sheraton Hotel Raleigh
  • Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown

Where can I find the Event Rules?

• You can find the HCS Kickoff Major Raleigh 2021 event rules by clicking here.

Where can I find the Handbook & Code of Conduct?

• You can find the HCS Handbook here.
• You can find the Code of Conduct here.

What happens if I buy a team pass but qualify for group (pool) play?

• Teams that purchase a team pass and then qualify for group (pool) play will be refunded in full.

Do I need a full team to purchase a team pass?

• No, you can purchase a team pass now to secure a spot in the tournament. You will fill out your roster after securing your pass on HCS.EE.gg

Can I leave a team and join a different one?

• You can freely leave a team before the applicable Roster Lock date and accept an invitation to join another team. You may not leave a team after the Roster Lock. If you are a team pass owner and wish to transfer teams, please email HCS.ee.gg with your request.
• In the email - please include:
  • Username and #
  • Email Address
  • Team Pass Purchase confirmation email
  • Username/Team Name of team you wish to join
• The Team owner of the new team must confirm your acceptance and agree that you will be locked to their team.

Where do I manage my team roster?

• You can manage your team by clicking here.
• Instructions and FAQ on how to manage and register your team can be found here.

I’m coaching a team – do I need to purchase anything?

• A team pass includes tournament entry for 4 players and 1 coach. No additional purchases are necessary to coach.

Will there be a Free-For-All (FFA) competition at this event?

• Yes! The event will feature a free Halo FFA tournament, which will be open for up to 1,024 players and spectators. Best of luck to those competing for their shot at the $5,000 prize pool!
• The FFA event will begin at 6:00 PM EST on Saturday December 18th.
• Registration will be at the Check-In table at the entrance to the venue. - VIP's can be begin to register at 2:30 PM EST - General Registration starts at 3:00 PM EST

If I buy a team pass, do I have to play in the FFA?

• Purchasing a team pass does not mean you must play in the FFA nor does it automatically enter you. However, FFA is a great opportunity to prove your individual talent in the league and meet potential teammates for 4v4 competitions in the future.

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. This competition will include 16 invited teams and a maximum of 256 Open Bracket teams.

When do rosters lock?

• For Pool Play and Travel Coverage teams, by 6:00 PM EST on Wednesday, December 3rd 2021. Teams must retain the same roster they used in the qualifier that takes place from December 1st - 2nd, 2021.
• For Open Bracket teams, by 6:00 PM EST on Monday, December 13th 2021.

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)
• Mixamps will be provided. Bringing backup equipment is recommended.

Which monitors will be used for the tournament?

• Info coming soon

How do I earn travel coverage?

• Lodging and travel coverage will be offered to 10 NA teams, 6 EU teams, 3 ANZ teams & 5 MX Teams.
• NA Players may qualify through:
  Top 4 teams in placement from the NA HCS Kickoff Qualifier that takes place from December 1st - 2nd, 2021
  The top 6 NA teams in HCS Points after the December 1st/2nd tournament (who did not qualify into top 4)
• EU Players may qualify through:
  Top 2 teams in placement from the EU HCS Kickoff Qualifier that takes place from December 1st - 2nd, 2021
  The top 4 EU teams in HCS Points after the December 1st/2nd tournament (who did not qualify into top 2)
• ANZ Players may qualify through:
  Top 1 teams in placement from the ANZ HCS Kickoff Qualifier that takes place from December 1st - 2nd, 2021
  The top 2 ANZ teams in HCS Points after the December 1st/2nd tournament (who did not qualify into top 1)
• MX Players may qualify through:
  Top 2 teams in placement from the MX HCS Kickoff Qualifier that takes place from December 1st - 2nd, 2021
  The top 3 MX teams in HCS Points after the December 1st/2nd tournament (who did not qualify into top 3)
• For further information including travel coverage and seeding into the HCS Kickoff Major Raleigh 2021 please review the Event Rules linked here.
• Note: Teams who earn travel coverage for the HCS Kickoff Major Raleigh 2021 must compete with their full roster from the HCS Kickoff qualifier. (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 book both Hotel and Flights for teams who earn travel coverage for HCS Kickoff Major Raleigh 2021.

What is the Prizing Breakdown?

• Prizing Pool Breakdown - Halo 4v4, Total $250,000
  1st: $100,000
  2nd: $60,000
  3rd: $28,000
  4th: $14,000
  5th - 6th: $7,000
  7th - 8th: $4,000
  9th - 12th: $2,000
  13th - 16th: $1,300
  17th - 24th: $1,000
  25th - 32nd: $600
• Prize Pool Breakdown - Halo Free-For-All, Total $5,000
  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 - Halo 4v4
  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 - 24th: 3,000
  25th - 32nd: 2,000
  33rd - 40th: 1,600
  41st - 48th: 1,400
  49th - 64th: 1,000
• Pro Points Breakdown - Halo 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 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 Dec 16th. A schedule will be sent to your team closer to the event if you qualify.

I have other questions – where’s the best place to ask them?

• For Raleigh specific questions - HCSeventsNA@ee.gg
• For HCS Program and eligibility questions - HCS@ee.gg

Do team passes account for 4 players and 1 coach?

• Yes, The purchase of a Team Pass allows entry to the event and competition for 4 players and 1 coach only.

Do all the names for a team have to be submitted at once?

• No. Please visit the team management support page for additional information.

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.

Do you offer refunds?

• Refunds will be decided on a case by case basis. In the event that the event is cancelled by the organizer for COVID or otherwise, all ticket purchases will be refunded.

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.

What does general admission mean?

• General Admission (GA) refers to seating or standing areas that are not assigned or reserved, and are occupied on a first-come, first-served basis.

Will my seats be together?

• General Admission (GA) refers to seating or standing areas that 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?

The HCS Raleigh VIP Package Includes:

• Early Entry to the Venue
  • Dedicated Entry Line at Check-In
  • Access to the VIP Lounge
  • Special VIP Credential
  • Early access to the Free-for-All Competition Registration (30 minutes before general admission)

• Exclusive Production Tour
  • 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

• Potential for participation in the Show Match
  • The Show Match will be hosted on Saturday during the second half of the day
  • The purchase of a VIP ticket gives you a shot at being 1 of the 2 fans joining the stage and playing with a team of surprise influencers and pro players lead by 2 surprise captains
  • The 2 VIP participants for this activation will be drawn at random from the pool of VIP ticket purchasers
  • You must be present in the venue at the time of the draw to claim your spot on one of the teams
  • If you do not claim your spot during the draw, a new name will be drawn until 2 VIP participants are selected.