Match Format

Scheduling/Viewing:

All matches do not have a set date due to planning in specific time zones and other logistics.

Competitors will always be notified of a match before it is live, and we will try to announce it in advance.

All matches can be viewed on our YouTube channel Clock Cup

Solving:

During an attempt, both competitors will be given a randomly generated scramble along with a draw scramble to confirm. Competitors will be trusted to scramble correctly. 

A coin flip before the match will determine who goes first (see group stage/bracket procedures).

Competitors are limited to 15 seconds of inspection, we request that they time the inspection as calls for time remaining will not be issued. 

The other competitor may watch the entirety of the other competitors solve.

Standard WCA penalties apply for +2s and DNFs. 

The process repeats with the other competitor after the other competitors attempt is complete. 

Breaks / Duration

Competitors will have the option to receive a halftime break when a total of 15 points have been rewarded. The break is approximately 5 minutes. however can be shortened if desired by both competitors in the match. 

Generally, this means every match is on average around 30-45 minutes if every attempt takes a little over one minute.

Group Stage Explanation

The Group Stage of the Clock Cup is based off of the EURO 24 Group Stage format.

Competitors who qualify will be placed into 4 pots of 6 people. The pots are based off of the rankings within the qualification round, with the top 6 in one pot, the bottom 6 in another pot, and so on.

In the Group Stage Draw, the competitors will be drawn into 6 groups (Group A-F) of 4 with one competitor from each pot.

During the Group Stage, each competitor will face each other once, so a competitor will compete for at least 3 matches and there will be 6 matches in total per group.

After a match, a win will award a competitor with 3 points, and a loss with award a competitor with 0 points. 

The top two competitors in each group after all matches have been completed will advance to the knockout stage. The remaining 4 spots in the Ro16 will be decided by 4 best third place competitors who did not automatically advance to the Ro16. These are referred to as the wildcards. 

If there is a tie in points, the competitor with the higher solve difference will advance.

Group Stage Match Procedures

At the beginning of the match, a coin flip will determine who goes first. Whoever wins decides whether to go first or second. After the first solve, the competitors alternate. For example: If competitor A goes first during the first solve, competitor B will go first during the second solve.

The winner of each solve gains 1 point. Whoever gets to 15 points first while maintaining a 2 point lead wins. 

The solve difference will still be calculated for all matches and will be shown on the results page. In the case of a tie in points on the group stage, the competitor with the higher solve difference will win.