HCS Salt Lake City in 3 WEEKS – Buy Tickets Now! (August 1-3)
Halo esports returns to Utah, and if you joined us last year, you already know: Spacestation knows how to throw a party.
This August, the 2025 HCS Salt Lake City Major brings the world's best teams together during an action-packed weekend to battle it out for $250,000. From side tournaments and exclusive merch to hands-on activations and community fun, this is a Halo experience you don't want to miss!
Check out the page below for full event details.
CONTENTS
KEY INFO
| Date: August 1-3 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Venue: Salt Palace Convention Center (Halls 3-4) | GA Tickets: AVAILABLE NOW Team Passes: AVAILABLE NOW Watch: Twitch + YouTube | Infinite 4v4: $250,000 Infinite FFA: $5,000 Side Tournaments: TBA |
EVENT SCHEDULE
Check back for a more comprehensive Event Schedule closer to start date!
Friday, Aug 1st:
- VIP Doors Open: 9:00 AM/MST
- GA Doors Open: 10:00 AM/MST
Saturday, Aug 2nd:
- VIP + GA Doors Open: 10:00 AM/MST
Sunday, Aug 3rd:
- VIP + GA Doors Open: 11:00 AM/MST
TICKETS & TEAM PASS
Join us live in Salt Lake City - Tickets 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!
Team Pass: $250
Each Team Pass covers (4) Players and (1) Coach.
In order to complete your team pass transaction, you must sign up with your FULL TEAM! All players will need a Start.gg account to be added to the roster.
FORMAT & STANDINGS
The SLC 2025 4v4 tournament format will feature:
- 48-Team Open Bracket (Top 4 advance to Pool Play)
- 16-Team Pool Play (4th in Pools are eliminated)
- 12-Team Champ Bracket (Double-elimination Best-of-5, Grand Finals Best-of-7)
$250K 4V4 PRIZE BREAKDOWN
- 1st: $100,000 + Pool Play at Charlotte Major
- 2nd: $60,000 + Pool Play at Charlotte Major
- 3rd: $30,000 + Pool Play at Charlotte Major
- 4th: $17,500 + Pool Play at Charlotte Major
- 5-6: $8,000
- 7-8: $5,000
- 9-12: $2,500
- 13-16: $1,625
OPEN BRACKET
- Open Bracket will start and end on Friday August 1st
- The Top (4) teams will advance to Pool Play
POOL PLAY
OpTic Gaming, TSM, and Shopify Rebellion have all qualified for Pool Play at the SLC Major via placements at HCS Dallas 2025. Following DreamHack Dallas, FaZe Clan traded (2) players which resulted in them forfeiting their #2 seed at the SLC Major. This resulted in TSM moving up to the #2 seed and Shopify Rebellion moving up to the #3 seed. The #4 auto-qualifying seed from Dallas will now go to the team with the Most HCS Points that registers for the NA SLC Major Qualifier. That team will assume the #4 seed and will be pulled from the SLC Major Qualifier tournament.
- 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 Charlotte for the final HCS Major of the year!
- 12-Team Double Elimination
- Top 4 teams will lock in Pool Play at HCS Charlotte 2025
EVENT EXPERIENCE
Whether you're here to cheer on your favorite team or dive into the action yourself, the HCS Salt Lake City Major delivers a full weekend of Halo excitement. Watch the best of the best throw down for $250,000 on the main stage, or jump into side tournaments across multiple Halo titles for your own shot at glory (and cash prizes). Explore Partnered Team and Sponsor booths packed with exclusive merch, and stop by the Fan Activity Area to enjoy Halo-themed games, challenges, and more. This is your chance to play, shop, compete, and celebrate all things Halo!
Check out last year's SLC Major photo album to get a taste of the festivities.
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!
Be sure to follow @HCS on socials to be notified when SLC side tournaments are revealed!
HALO INFINITE FFA - $5,000
For the lone wolves out there - it’s your time to shine.
The $5,000 Halo Infinite FFA returns at the SLC Major, and it’s open to all event attendees. 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!
FFA PRIZE BREAKDOWN
- 1st: $2,000
- 2nd: $1,200
- 3rd: $800
- 4th: $425
- 5th: $200
- 6th: $150
- 7th: $125
- 8th: $100
TEAM, SPONSOR, & MERCH BOOTHS
Looking to gear up or grab something to remember the weekend? Swing by the merch area and explore booths from partnered teams, sponsors, and more. Shop exclusive event apparel, collectibles, and limited-edition drops, meet your favorite players, and take part in fun giveaways. Whether you’re repping your squad or just browsing, there’s something here for every kind of Halo fan!
FAN ACTIVITY AREA
Take a break from the matches and jump into some hands-on fun in the Fan Activity Area!
Team up with friends and try out a variety of Halo-themed games, challenges, and activations throughout the weekend. Whether you're testing your skills or just in it for the laughs, this is the spot to celebrate your love for Halo in a fun way!
TRAVEL
Planning your trip to Salt Lake City? Find everything you need here - from nearby airports and ground transportation options to recommended hotels just minutes from the venue.
- Airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
- Venue: Salt Palace Convention Center
- Ground Transportation: Uber | Lyft
- Hotels: Click here for a list of nearby hotels.
FAQ
Event FAQ
| When will the HCS Salt Lake City Major 2025 take place? | The HCS Salt Lake City Major 2025 will take place August 1-3, 2025. |
| Where is the event taking place? | The HCS Salt Lake City Major 2025 will take place at the Salt Palace Convention Center |
| 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 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 time do the doors open? | Friday, Aug 1st: VIP Doors Open: 9:00 AM/MST GA Doors Open: 10:00 AM/MST Saturday, Aug 2nd: VIP + GA Doors Open: 10:00 AM/MST Sunday, Aug 3rd: VIP + GA Doors Open: 11:00 AM/MST |
| Where should I park and is parking free? | Please refer to the Salt Palace Convention Center Website for Parking Info. https://www.visitsaltlake.com/salt-palace-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! 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: 6:00 PM EST on Monday, July 14th. If teams earned travel coverage via the SLC Major Qualifier, they must retain that same roster. For all other teams, roster lock is Monday, July 28th at 6:00pm 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 SLC Major Qualifier, and HCS Points. Additionally, (1) NA team & (1) EU team will be granted travel coverage based on aggregate points after the SLC Major Qualifiers. Also, (1) ANZ team & (1) MX team will be granted travel coverage based on placing 1st in their respective SLC Open Championships. NA Players may qualify through: - Top four (4) placement in the SLC Major Qualifier. - Top two (2) in HCS points after the SLC Major Qualifier. EU Players may qualify through: - 1st place in the SLC Major Qualifier. - Top one (1) in HCS points after the SLC Major Qualifier. MX Players may qualify through: - 1st place in the SLC Open Championship. ANZ Players may qualify through: - 1st place in the SLC 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 SLC Major 2025, via the SLC 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 SLC 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 - 20th 3,000 21st - 24th 2,000 25th - 32nd 1,800 33rd - 40th 1,600 41st - 56th 1,400 57th - 72nd 1,000 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 |
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 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 MLT or SNR 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. |