Esports
HCS Major Arlington: April 18-20 (Live this weekend!)
This weekend, Halo esports returns to Texas!
Join us at Esports Stadium Arlington on April 18-20 as OpTic Gaming hosts the 2025 Kickoff Major! From the 4v4 open bracket to the many side tournaments on offer, there will be much for Halo fans and competitors to sink their teeth into.
For full tournament details, check out the info below!
CONTENTS
KEY INFO
| Date: April 18-20 Location: Arlington, TX Venue: Esports Stadium Arlington | Tickets: Available Now! Watch: Twitch + YouTube Twitch Drops Active! | Prize Pools - 4v4: $250,000 - Side Events: $15,000 |
EVENT SCHEDULE
Central Time Zone
| Friday, April 18 9:00a - Doors Open (Pros) 9:30a - Player Check-in Starts (End @10:30a) 10:00a - Doors Open (GA) 11:00a - Open Bracket Starts 12:00p - Pool Play Starts 12:00p - 1v1 Showdown Open Starts (End @ 8p) 4:00p - Halo 3 2v2 Sign-ups (End @ 5:00p) 5:00p - Halo 5 2v2 Sign-ups (End @ 6:00p) 5:15p - Halo 3 2v2 Starts (End @ 8:45p) 6:15p - Halo 5 2v2 Starts (End @ 9:45p) 11:00p - Doors Close | Saturday, April 19 9:00a - Doors Open (Pros) 10:30a - Doors Open (GA) 10:30a - $5K FFA Sign-ups Start (End @ 11:45a) 10:30a - Pool Play Resumes 12:00p - $5K FFA Starts (End @ 9p) 12:00p - 1v1 Showdown Open Resumes (End @ 4p) 12:30p - Infinite 2v2 Sign-ups (End @2:15p) 2:30p - Infinite 2v2 Starts (End @ 9:45p) 3:30p - Champ Bracket Starts 4:30p - Halo 3 4v4 Sign-ups (End @ 5:30p) 5:15p - 1v1 Showdown Open Stage 2 Starts (End @ 9p) 5:45p - Halo 3 4v4 Starts (End @ 9:15p) 11:00p - Doors Close | Sunday, April 20 10:00a - Doors Open (Pros) 11:00a - Doors Open (GA) 12:00p - OpTic Pro/AM Showmatch 12:30p - Champ Bracket Resumes 5:00p - Grand Finals (GF Reset @ 7p If needed) 7:30p - Doors Close (Close @ 9:30p If GF reset) |
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 |
TICKETS
Join us live at the Esports Stadium in Arlington - 3-Day Tickets are available now!
Single-Day Tickets will be available at the door for $20!
GA Tickets: $50
Spectator Tickets
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, AND BRACKETS
| 48-Team Open Bracket 16-Team Pool Play 12-Team Champ Bracket | PRIZE POOLS 4v4 Prize Pool: $250,000 Side Events: $15,000 |
Keep up with all the tournaments taking place at the HCS Arlington Major by checking out the Event HUB!
Arlington Event HUB
Open Bracket
- Open Bracket will start and end on Friday April 18th
- The Top (4) teams will advance to Pool Play
Congratulations to the following teams on securing travel coverage to compete in the Arlington Open Bracket!
| NA Kraken Seas | EU VVS | MX ETHR Gaming | ANZ Mindfreak |
Open Bracket Map Rotations
| Winners Round 1 - Strongholds Recharge - Slayer Solitude - Oddball Streets | Winners Round 2 - CTF Forbidden - Slayer Live Fire - KOTH Recharge | Winners Round 3 - Bomb Fortress - Slayer Aquarius - Oddball Recharge | Winners Quarters - KOTH Solitude - Slayer Recharge - Strongholds Live Fire - CTF Origin - Slayer Streets | Winners Semi-Finals - Oddball Live Fire - Slayer Origin - Bomb Aquarius - Strongholds Recharge - Slayer Solitude |
| Elim. Round 1 - Oddball Live Fire - Slayer Recharge - CTF Aquarius | Elim. Round 2 - Strongholds Recharge - Slayer Origin - KOTH Live Fire | Elim. Round 3 - CTF Origin - Slayer Live Fire - Bomb Aquarius |
| Elim. Round 4 - KOTH Solitude - Slayer Streets - Strongholds Live Fire - Bomb Fortress - Slayer Recharge | Elim. Round 5 - Oddball Streets - Slayer Aquarius - CTF Fortress - Strongholds Recharge - Slayer Live Fire | Elim. Quarters - Bomb Aquarius - Slayer Solitude - Oddball Recharge - KOTH Live Fire - Slayer Origin | Elim. Semi-Finals - KOTH Recharge - Slayer Streets - Strongholds Live Fire - CTF Forbidden - Slayer Aquarius |
Pool Play
Congratulations to the following teams on securing Pool Play through the HCS Open Series: Road to Arlington!
- 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
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 next HCS LAN event - the DreamHack Dallas Open!
- 12-Team Double Elimination
- Top 4 teams will lock in Pool Play at the HCS Dallas Open
$250K 4V4 PRIZE BREAKDOWN
- 1st: $100,000
- 2nd: $60,000
- 3rd: $30,000
- 4th: $17,500
- 5-6: $8,000
- 7-8: $5,000
- 9-12: $2,500
- 13-16: $1,625
Event Rules & Player Handbook
Attention competitors - be sure to check out the Event Rules, Player Handbook, and Code of Conduct!
HCS Arlington 2025 Event Rules
HCS 2025 HandBook
HCS 2025 Code of Conduct
HCS SIDE EVENTS
Attendees will have the chance to compete in side tournaments featuring various Halo titles! Registration will take place on site and will be first come, first served.
Friday - April 18
| Halo Infinite - 1v1 Showdown (Day 1) - Prize Pool: $5,000 - Player Cap: No Cap - Start: 12:00p CT | Halo 3 MCC - 2v2 - Prize: 1st/$700, 2nd/$300 - Team Cap: 16 - Registration: 4:00p CT - Start: 5:15p CT | Halo 5 - 2v2 - Prize: 1st/$700, 2nd/$300 - Team Cap: 16 - Registration: 5:00p CT - Start: 6:15p CT |
Saturday - April 19
| Halo Infinite - FFA - Prize Pool: $5,000 - Player Cap: 256 - Registration: 10:30a CT - Start: 12:00p CT | Halo Infinite - 1v1 Showdown (Day 2) - Prize Pool: $5,000 - Player Cap: No Cap - Start: 12:00p CT | Halo Infinite - 2v2 - Prize: 1st/$1,050, 2nd/$450 - Team Cap: 64 - Registration: 12:30p CT - Start: 2:30p CT | Halo 3 MCC- 4v4 - Prize: 1st/$1,050, 2nd/$450 - Team Cap: 16 - Registration: 4:30p CT - Start: 5:45p CT |
$5,000 FFA TOURNAMENT
The $5,000 FFA Tournament returns and will be open to all event attendees. Registration will take place on site!
FFA PRIZE BREAKDOWN
- 1st: $2,000
- 2nd: $1,200
- 3rd: $800
- 4th: $425
- 5th: $200
- 6th: $150
- 7th: $125
- 8th: $100
Talent
Presenting the star-studded cast bringing you all the action at the Arlington Major!
Twitch Drops
Tune into the HCS Arlington Major all weekend to unlock exclusive Twitch Drops!
| Watch 3 Hours - HCS Major (Charm) - Athen's Ascent (Emb./Nameplate) | Watch 6 Hours - Ennui Splinters (Visor) - Ivory Guard (Multi-Use Weapon Coating) | Watch 9 Hours - Desert Tea (Mult-Use Armor Coating) | Watch 4 Hours (Co-streamers) - Floyed (Charm) - Mercenary Logic (Emb./Nameplate) |
Fans joining us live will receive a code card at check-in that unlocks all HCS Atlanta 2024 drops!
For help with unlocking drops, head to: aka.ms/Drop
TRAVEL
- Airport: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Dallas Love Field, (DAL)
- Ground Transportation: Uber | Lyft
- Hotels: Click here for a list of nearby hotels.
FAQ
Event FAQ
| When will the HCS Major Arlington 2024 take place? | The HCS Major Arlington 20245 will take place April 18-20, 2025 |
| Where is the event taking place? | The HCS Major Arlington 2025 will take place at the 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX 76011. You can visit the venue website by going here: Esports Stadium Arlington | Arlington |
| 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 Halo Major Arlington. 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. All 4v4 and FFA Players must be 13 years of age or older to compete at HCS SLC 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 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 April 13th, 2025 to compete. |
| What time do the doors open? | Door Times are TBD. |
| Where should I park and is parking free? | You can check here for all paid parking options near the event. You can view a parking map on the Esports Stadium website here. |
| Do you have appropriate seating and parking for individuals with medical conditions? | The event is ADA compliant and accessible. More information can be found by emailing here. |
| Are pets allowed? | Only service animals are allowed at the event. |
| 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. |
| 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 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 are the closest hotels to the event venue? | Please use this link to find nearby hotels options and rates. |
| I am with the press and would like to cover the event. Who should I reach out to for information and Press Access? | Please submit your inquiry using our Press Credential Request form. For any additional help, email xboxpress@assemblyinc.com. |
| I have other questions – where’s the best place to ask them? | For Arlington specific questions, email us at info@esportsstadium.gg For HCS program and eligibility questions, email us at HCS@ee.gg |
Player FAQ
| Where can I find the Handbook & Code of Conduct? | You can find the HCS Handbook & Code of Conduct by clicking here. |
| Where can I find the Event Rules? | The Event Rules can be found HERE. |
| 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! 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. The FFA competition will feature a maximum of 256 competitors |
| When do rosters lock? | For Pool Play and Travel Coverage teams: 6:00 PM EST on Monday, March 24th. If teams earned travel coverage via the Arlington Major Qualifier, they must retain that same roster. For all other teams, roster lock is Monday, April 14th. |
| 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 points and placement in the Major #1 Qualifier. Additionally, 1 NA team& 1 EU team will be granted travel coverage based on aggregate points after the Major #1 Qualifier. 1 ANZ team & 1 MX team will be granted travel coverage based on placing 1st in the regional Open Championship. NA Players may qualify through: - Top eight (8) placement in the Major #1 Online Qualifier. - Top two (4) in HCS points after the Major #1 Online Qualifier EU Players may qualify through: - 1st place in the Major #1 Online Qualifier. - Highest team aggregate HCS points after the Major #1 Online Qualifier MX Players may qualify through: - 1st place in the Major #1 Open Championship. ANZ Players may qualify through: - 1st place in the Major #1 Open Championship. For further information including complete tournament format and seeding , please review the Event Rules linked HERE. Note: Teams who earn travel coverage for the HCS Major Arlington 2025 via the Major #1 Online 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 Major #1 Online 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? | HCS Major 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 - 18th 3,000 19th - 20th 2,500 21st - 24th 2,000 25th - 28th 1,800 29th - 36th 1,750 37th - 44th 1,600 45th - 60th 1,400 61st- 76th 1,000 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 |
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. |
| What if my tickets are lost or stolen? | Please contact info@esportsstadium.gg for more information. |
| Do you offer refunds? | Spectator Ticket - Refund Policy: Esports Stadium will only be considering refunds for tickets until April 16, 2024, at 6:00 PM ET. Refunds requests will not be accepted after April 16, 2024, at 6:00 PM ET, and must be emailed to info@esportsstadium.gg No tickets may be exchanged for event credit with Tixr or 343/HCS events. Tickets are non-transferable. In the event that the event is canceled due to the organizer, refunds will be processed for all purchasers. |
| 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? | Seating or standing areas are occupied on a first-come, first-served basis. |
| What should I do if I don't receive my tickets? | Please contact info@esportsstadium.gg for more information. |
| 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. |