The Phoenix Cup

Guide

Format, rules, and etiquette for the Phoenix Cup anniversary tournament.

Anniversary Tournament

The Phoenix Cup marks the first anniversary of the Euchreverse, celebrating twelve months of competition, friendships, and unforgettable matches. To commemorate the occasion, we’re introducing our most ambitious tournament yet. One that rewards consistency, resilience, and the ability to rise when everything is on the line.

Tournament Format

Group Stage

Twenty teams will be divided into four carefully selected groups of five teams. During the group stage, every team will play a best-of-five match against each of the other teams in its group.

Teams are responsible for scheduling their own matches within the designated group stage.

Group Stage Scoring

  • Match Win: 3 points
  • Match Loss: 0 points
  • Quality Loss: 1 point (awarded only if the match goes the full five games, 3–2)

Every game matters. Forcing a fifth game can earn a valuable point that may ultimately determine who advances.

Championship Bracket

When group play concludes, the top three teams from each group (12 teams total) will advance to the Championship Bracket.

The Championship Bracket is a 12-team single-elimination bracket. Lose once, and your tournament is over. The team that survives will become the Championship Bracket Champion and advance to the Final Championship.

Rounds 1 and 2 of the Championship bracket (Week 3) are best-of-seven, and the semifinals and finals (Week 4) are best-of-nine.

Phoenix Bracket

The remaining two teams from each group (8 teams total) will advance to the Phoenix Bracket.

The Phoenix Bracket is also single elimination. The surviving team will earn the title of The Phoenix, completing an incredible comeback and advancing to the Final Championship.

Round 1 of the Phoenix bracket (Week 3) is best-of-seven, and the semifinals and finals (Week 4) are best-of-nine.

Final Championship

The tournament concludes with a championship showdown between the Championship Bracket Champion and The Phoenix.

Because the Championship Bracket winner reaches the final undefeated, they receive a significant advantage.

The final Phoenix Cup Championship will be played in a best-of-nine format.

  • If the Championship Bracket Champion wins the match, they are immediately crowned Phoenix Cup Champions.
  • If The Phoenix wins, a second winner-take-all match will be played. The Phoenix must defeat the Championship Bracket Champion twice to claim the title.

Tiebreakers

There is a comprehensive list of tiebreakers that will be employed for any ties for third place in the Group Stage, and for all ties for final seeding into the brackets.

Schedule

  • Weeks 1–2 (Aug. 30 to Sep. 13)
    • Group Stage
  • Week 3 (Sep. 14 to Sep. 20)
    • Championship Bracket R1
    • Championship Bracket R2
    • Phoenix Bracket R1
  • Week 4 (Sep. 21 to Sep. 27)
    • Championship Bracket Semifinal
    • Championship Bracket Final
    • Phoenix Bracket Semifinal
    • Phoenix Bracket Final
  • Week 5 (Sep. 28 to Oct. 4)
    • Phoenix Cup Championship Final

Can the Championship Bracket Champion finish what they started, or will the Phoenix complete the greatest comeback of the tournament?

Streaming

Streaming is not required, but it is strongly encouraged throughout the tournament.

All participants are expected to read the tournament rules carefully, including the Streaming Etiquette section.

Sportsmanship

The Phoenix Cup is built on competitive play, respect, and good sportsmanship. Please communicate promptly when scheduling matches, treat your opponents with courtesy, and report results honestly.

Good luck to all competitors.
The flames have been lit.
Who will claim the Phoenix Cup?

General Guidelines and Etiquette

  • Due to the length of the games, players are expected to be mindful of the pace of play. Typing in chat should be avoided, as well as prolonged conversations in voice, unnecessary delays, and any other distractions that slow down the match.
  • It is not required, but it is strongly recommended that each player use an ad blocker. This helps keep matches running smoothly and reduces the likelihood of players becoming stuck or disconnected because of advertisements.
  • Please ensure that your internet connection is stable before beginning a match. Every effort should be made to minimize the possibility of disconnecting during play.
  • Players should not leave the table while a match is in progress unless absolutely necessary. If a short break is needed, please inform the table beforehand and provide an estimated return time. All players should make every effort to return promptly.
  • Boot Button: If the “Boot” button appears because a player has become unresponsive, do not boot them immediately. First determine whether they are experiencing a temporary issue and are able to continue.
  • Disconnections: If a player disconnects because of connectivity issues or advertisements, play should continue with a bot. The disconnected player may rejoin at the start of the next game.
  • Exception: If all four players unanimously agree to restart the interrupted game instead, that decision takes precedence over the above guideline.
  • Table Talk: Table talk of any kind is strictly prohibited. This includes verbal communication, misuse of time (e.g. long pauses) and misuse of chat buttons (e.g. “Nice One!” and “Ouch” to indicate suit strength to partner, “Good Game” to signify a game-winning loner, etc.)
  • Any attempt to gain an unfair advantage—including table talk, outside assistance, intentional distractions, or deliberate disruption of normal gameplay—may result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the tournament.

Streaming and Broadcast Etiquette

  • Streaming matches is strongly encouraged, but not required.
  • If you are streaming a match, please be especially mindful of the general guidelines above, particularly those relating to internet stability, ad blockers, and maintaining a steady pace of play.
  • If you are watching a live stream, please avoid distracting the commentators or players. Keep your microphone muted unless you are actively participating in the broadcast.
  • Please also be mindful of the way players are discussed on stream. These broadcasts may be recorded and shared publicly. Constructive analysis is welcome, but criticism should always remain respectful. Players of all experience levels deserve to feel encouraged, and the goal is to create an environment where everyone can compete, learn, and enjoy the game.
  • Finally, remember that sportsmanship extends beyond the table. Treat your opponents, partners, commentators, and fellow competitors with respect throughout the tournament.

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