The Road to Al Ain Rule Set
This document outlines the rules and regulations related to the Checkmate Live Tournament: Road to Al Ain.
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This document outlines the rules and regulations related to the Checkmate Live Tournament: Road to Al Ain.
Last updated
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This document outlines the rules and regulations related to the Checkmate Live Tournament: Road to Al Ain. Entry into the Road to Al Ain tournament constitutes acceptance of these rules and regulations. Failing to adhere to these rules and regulations may result in disqualification, penalties, or other consequences as determined by the Tournament Organizer. Please note that Checkmate Live reserves the right to make final decisions on matters not explicitly outlined in these rules to uphold fair play and sportsmanship at its sole discretion.
The Road to Al Ain Qualifiers, Regional Qualifiers, and Finals (collectively referred to as the “Road to Al Ain Tournament” or “Competition”) are operated by Checkmate Live (alternatively referred to as “Checkmate Live” or “Tournament Organizer”).
The Road to Al Ain Tournament is a competitive chess event conducted on the Checkmate Live platform, with qualifiers, regional finals, and a Grand Final. The tournament will include several stages, including Qualifiers, Regional Qualifiers, and the Grand Finals, featuring multiple broadcasts and exclusive content.
The Al Ain tournament is open to players of all skill levels, whether rated or unrated! To ensure fair competition, rated players must not enter divisions below their current Elo rating—doing so may lead to disqualification. Choose the right division for your skill level and enjoy the excitement of competing with players from around the world!
Week
Date
Qualifier
Players Advance
Regions
Participants
Format
Mode
Week 1
Saturday, Nov 23
Under 2000, Swiss Qualifier 1
4
4
Unlimited
Swiss
Automated
Saturday, Nov 23
Under 2000, Swiss Qualifier 2
4
4
Unlimited
Swiss
Automated
Saturday, Nov 23
Under 2000, Swiss Qualifier 3
4
4
Unlimited
Swiss
Automated
Saturday, Nov 23
Under 2000, Swiss Qualifier 4
4
4
Unlimited
Swiss
Automated
Sunday, Nov 24
Under 2300, Swiss Qualifier 5
4
4
Unlimited
Swiss
Automated
Sunday, Nov 24
Under 2300, Swiss Qualifier 6
4
4
Unlimited
Swiss
Automated
Sunday, Nov 24
Under 2300, Swiss Qualifier 7
4
4
Unlimited
Swiss
Automated
Sunday, Nov 24
Under 2300, Swiss Qualifier 8
4
4
Unlimited
Swiss
Automated
Week 2
Saturday, Nov 30
Open, Swiss Qualifier 9
8
4
Unlimited
Swiss
Automated
Saturday, Nov 30
Open, Swiss Qualifier 10
8
4
Unlimited
Swiss
Automated
Sunday, Dec 1
Open, Swiss Qualifier 11
8
4
Unlimited
Swiss
Automated
Sunday, Dec 1
Open, Swiss Qualifier 12
8
4
Unlimited
Swiss
Automated
Week 3
Saturday, Dec 7
Regional Finals (2 Regions)
1 per division
2
2 x 64/256
Single Elimination
Online Supervised
Sunday, Dec 8
Regional Finals (2 Regions)
1 per division
2
2 x 64/256
Single Elimination
Online Supervised
Weeks 4 & 5
2 Weeks
Pre-production & Travel Arrangements
Week 6
Sunday, Dec 22
Al Ain Grand Final
4
4
4
Double Elimination
Online Supervised LAN
Format: The event begins with automated Swiss-format qualifiers across Under 2000, Under 2300, and Open divisions. Regional Finals progress to supervised single-elimination matches across four major regions, leading to the Al Ain Grand Final with a double-elimination format.
Regional Representation: The four zones represented are Asia & Oceania (AO), Europe & Southern Africa (EAS), Middle East, North Africa & Turkey (MENTA), and Americas (AM).
Mode:
Qualifiers are fully automated.
Regional Finals require online supervision with mandatory camera setups.
Grand Final is a supervised LAN event, ensuring the highest level of competitive integrity.
Time Zone: The tournament schedule is based on Sydney, Australia (AEDT). Events will appear in each player's local time on Checkmate Live.
Check-in: The system is fully automated for qualifiers; late arrivals will not be admitted after the check-in deadline.
Requirements for Regional Finals and Grand Final: Players are required to use a PC, web camera, and mobile phone for verification purposes.
Registration and Acceptance of Official Rules
Players must register and accept the official rules on the Checkmate Live platform. All players are required to review and agree to the ruleset for The Echess Championship: The Road to Al Ain and relevant privacy policies before entering the tournament. By registering, players confirm their understanding of and adherence to the tournament’s guidelines and are considered eligible for the entire championship series, including the live Grand Finals.
Age and Passport Requirements
Players must be at least 18 years old by the date of the online event, meet the minimum age requirement to create a full (non-underage) Checkmate Live account in their respective territory, and hold a current passport with an expiry date beyond December 24, 2024, to participate in The Echess Championship: The Road to Al Ain.
Key Dates
Registration open: November 15, Friday
Weekend Qualifiers: November 23-24 and November 30 - December 1, 2024
Regional Finals: December 7-8, 2024 (four regional finals across major time zones)
The Road to Al Ain Grand Final: December 22, 2024, Danat Al Ain Resort, Al Ain
Tournament Format
Stage 1 - Online Qualifiers: A Swiss-format tournament (9 rounds) will advance four players per event in the Under 2000 and Under 2300 divisions, and the top eight players in the Open division, to the Regional Finals.
Stage 2 - Regional Finals: Each zone—AO (Asia and Oceania), EAS (Europe and Southern Africa), MENTA (Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey), and AM (Americas)—will host a single-elimination head-to-head KO tournament. A total of 64 players (8 from the Under 2000, 8 from the Under 2300, and 16 from the Open division) from each zone will compete, with the top player from each region ultimately advancing to the Grand Final. This structure ensures one finalist from each of the four time-zone regions.
Stage 3 - Grand Final: The four regional champions will compete in a Double Elimination format to crown the tournament champion in Al Ain, battling head-to-head for the title and a share of the additional $25,000 USD prize pool.
The Grand Final on December 22 will showcase a fast-paced double-elimination showdown among the four regional champions at the Danat Al Ain Resort.
This exciting 4-player double-elimination tournament format is designed to test players’ strategic depth and adaptability across a progressive range of time controls. The tournament will crown a champion after a series of intense matches, with cascading time controls to escalate the competitive pressure as the event advances.
Participants will contend for USDC$25,000 prize pool while experiencing the cultural richness of Al Ain, one of the UAE’s oldest and most cherished cities. Flights and accommodation are covered by the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club.
Format Overview
Structure: Double Elimination Knockout
Participants: 4 regional champions
Goal: The last player standing after all rounds is crowned the champion. If the finalist from the Winner’s Bracket loses in the Grand Final, a reset match will determine the ultimate winner.
Game Format: Each match is a best-of-2 games, with the champion determined based on match outcomes in both brackets.
Time Control Progression
To create variety and increase intensity, each stage of the tournament features a specific time control:
Initial Round: 10+0 – 10 minutes per player, no increment. This slower time control allows players to start strategically, emphasizing calculation and depth.
Loser’s Bracket Initial Round & Winner’s Bracket Final: 5+3 – 5 minutes per player with a 3-second increment. The faster pace adds intensity, requiring players to balance speed and precision.
Loser’s Bracket Final & Grand Final: 3+2 – 3 minutes per player with a 2-second increment. The shortest time control pushes players to their limits, making the final rounds high-stakes and action-packed.
Time Controls by Stage
Initial Round (Winner’s Bracket)
Match 1 (Player A vs. Player B)
10+0
Best of 2 games
Match 2 (Player C vs. Player D)
10+0
Best of 2 games
Loser’s Bracket Initial Round
Match 3 (Loser of Match 1 vs. Loser of Match 2)
5+3
Best of 2 games
Winner’s Bracket Final
Match 4 (Winner of Match 1 vs. Winner of Match 2)
5+3
Best of 2 games
Loser’s Bracket Final
Match 5 (Winner of Loser’s Bracket Round vs. Loser of Winner’s Bracket Final)
3+2
Best of 2 games
Grand Final
Match 6 (Winner of Winner’s Bracket Final vs. Winner of Loser’s Bracket Final)
3+2
Best of 2 games
Redemption Match (if needed)
3+2
Best of 2 games
Advancement and Tiebreaks
Double Elimination: Each player must lose twice to be eliminated, ensuring that every player gets at least two chances to advance.
Redemption Match: If the finalist from the Winner’s Bracket loses in the Grand Final, a reset match (3+2) will determine the champion. This rule gives a fair chance to both finalists and adds suspense to the final showdown.
Tournament Structure and Format
Each region—AO (Asia and Oceania), EAS (Europe and Southern Africa), MENTA (Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey), and AM (Americas)—will host a 3+2 Blitz Single-Elimination Head-to-Head Knockout Tournament to determine the regional champion. Here’s how the competition will unfold:
Participants: Each region will have 64 players competing, divided as follows:
Under 2000 Division: 16 players
Under 2300 Division: 16 players
Open Division: 32 players
Match Format:
Each matchup consists of two games with a 3+2 time control (3 minutes per player with a 2-second increment per move).
Tiebreak: If the score is tied after two games, an Armageddon game will be played to ensure a decisive winner. In Armageddon, White has 5 minutes, Black has 4 minutes, and Black wins in the event of a draw.
Advancement: The top player from each zone will advance to the Grand Final, representing their region.
Event Schedule
Dates: December 7-8, 2024
Location: Online, with supervised setup
Technical Requirements
Equipment:
PC with two cameras, one for the player’s face and one for their surroundings, as per online supervised regulations.
Players must check in at the lobby with working cameras; failure to comply results in instant disqualification.
Internet and Streaming:
Players must ensure stable internet connectivity to avoid disruptions.
All games are recorded and stored for fair play and promotional purposes.
The applicable streaming policy to third party platforms applies
Pro Pass and Verification Requirements
Pro Pass: All players who qualify for the Regional Final will receive a 3-month Pro Pass as part of their qualification.
KYC Verification: Players must activate their Pro Pass and complete KYC (Know Your Customer) verification before the official rules meeting.
FIDE ID Syncing: FIDE-rated players must sync their FIDE ID with their Checkmate Live account. Any player identified as competing in a division lower than their current FIDE rating (e.g., competing in U2000 or U2300 divisions) will be disqualified from the tournament, and the next highest-ranked player will take their place.
Fair Play and Monitoring
In-Game Monitoring:
Each game will be monitored by tournament arbiters to ensure compliance with fair play standards.
Arbiter Intervention: Arbiters have the authority to pause games, investigate irregularities, and make rulings on disputes as they arise.
Fair Play Violations:
In cases where a player is found to have breached fair play rules, they will be disqualified, and the next-ranked player will advance.
All breaches to the Fair Play provisions will be reported to the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club for review and record-keeping.
If a violation is detected after the event, any necessary sanctions will still apply.
Post-Tournament Requirements
Travel Arrangements for Grand Finalists:
Players advancing to the Grand Final must submit a valid passport and complete a travel form immediately after the Regional Finals to facilitate travel arrangements.
UAE Visa Compliance: Players must meet UAE visa requirements. Failure to provide a valid passport within 24 hours, or inability to meet visa requirements, will result in forfeiture of the qualifying spot, which will be offered to the next eligible player.
To enter the United Arab Emirates (UAE), your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This requirement applies to all travelers, regardless of nationality. Ensure your passport meets this validity criterion to avoid any entry issues.
The Online Qualifiers for The Echess Championship: The Road to Al Ain will consist of a 3+2 Blitz Swiss-format tournament (9 rounds), organized over two weeks, with qualification events scheduled across different divisions and regions. Each event will be fully automated to ensure efficient and seamless gameplay progression.
Weekly Schedule and Details
Week 1
Saturday, Nov 23
Under 2000
Swiss Qualifier 1
4
4
Swiss, 9 rnds
Automated
Swiss Qualifier 2
4
4
Swiss, 9 rnds
Automated
Swiss Qualifier 3
4
4
Swiss, 9 rnds
Automated
Swiss Qualifier 4
4
4
Swiss, 9 rnds
Automated
Sunday, Nov 24
Under 2300
Swiss Qualifier 5
4
4
Swiss, 9 rnds
Automated
Swiss Qualifier 6
4
4
Swiss, 9 rnds
Automated
Swiss Qualifier 7
4
4
Swiss, 9 rnds
Automated
Swiss Qualifier 8
4
4
Swiss, 9 rnds
Automated
Week 2
Saturday, Nov 30
Open
Swiss Qualifier 9
8
4
Swiss, 9 rnds
Automated
Swiss Qualifier 10
8
4
Swiss, 9 rnds
Automated
Sunday, Dec 1
Open
Swiss Qualifier 11
8
4
Swiss, 9 rnds
Automated
Swiss Qualifier 12
8
4
Swiss, 9 rnds
Automated
Event Structure and Requirements
Divisions and Advancement:
Under 2000 Division: 4 qualifying events, each advancing the top 4 players.
Under 2300 Division: 4 qualifying events, each advancing the top 4 players.
Open Division: 4 qualifying events, each advancing the top 8 players.
Format: 9-round Swiss tournament, 3+2 Blitz (3 minutes per player with a 2-second increment per move).
Automated System: The tournament will follow a strict automated schedule. Players must check in on time, as late arrivals will not be able to join after the lobby check-in period closes.
Eligibility and Participation Requirements
Age Requirement: All participants must be 18 years of age or older by the date of the Online Qualifiers.
Country of Residence: A player's country must be set to their country of residence as per their passport upon registration.
Passport and Visa Requirements: All participants must have a valid passport and meet UAE entry-visa requirements to be eligible for advancing stages.
Platform: Players can participate on either mobile or PC during the Online Qualifiers. However, a PC, web camera, and mobile phone will be required for participation in the Regional Qualifiers.
Commitment:
Players must be able to commit to attending the rules briefing, participating in the Regional Qualifiers, and traveling to Al Ain for the Grand Final if they advance.
Classification of Sex as per FIDE Requirements
Checkmate Live currently collects a player's sex to meet FIDE requirements and to award Female Player Bonus Prizes. This classification will be phased out once Arcade Mode goes live and does not appear on player public profiles. Players who qualify for the Regional Finals consent to having their real names published on Checkmate Live and understand that their participant data, including names, will be provided to the tournament organizers. Usernames will be published in place of real names for bonus prize announcements unless players give specific permission to use their real names.
Additional Scheduling and Time Management
Lobby Check-In: Players must check in on time. The automated system will not allow late entries, ensuring fairness and efficiency.
Match Rescheduling: In the event of technical issues, affected games may be rescheduled to the following day or an evening prior to the Regional Finals, where possible.
Time Zone Display: The advertised schedule will be based on Sydney, Australia time (daylight savings) but will automatically adjust to display in each player’s local time zone on the Checkmate Live platform.
Automated System and Results
Post-Game: Results and in-game rewards are distributed automatically after each round, ensuring a smooth progression through the tournament.
Fair Play and Monitoring
Fair Play:
Mid-week fair play rulings will be conducted as per Checkmate Live's Fair Play Policy.
Any detected breaches will be acted upon with appropriate sanctions, and disqualifications may occur if fair play violations are identified.
The Total Prize Pool for the Al Ain is USD $60,000, comprising USD$25,000 in USDC for the Grand Final, $5,000 in bonus cash prizes in the Regional Finals, and the remaining value in Checkmate Live Crowns (in-game currency) and 3-Month Checkmate Live Pro Passes.
Regional qualifiers zones:
AO: Asia and Oceania
EAS: Europe and Southern Africa
MENTA: Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey
AM: Americas
In the Regional Qualifiers, players are rewarded based on their final placement, with prizes including entry to the Finals, Crowns, and USDC for top performers.
Placement
Stage Reached
Prize
Crowns
USDC
1st Place
Winner (Advances to Finals)
Entry to Finals
50,000
—
2nd Place
Runner-Up (Lost in Final)
25,000
$500
3rd Place
Lost in Semifinals
15,000
$250
4th Place
Lost in Semifinals
15,000
$250
5th Place
Lost in Quarterfinals
9,999
$150
6th Place
Lost in Quarterfinals
9,999
$150
7th Place
Lost in Quarterfinals
9,999
$150
8th Place
Lost in Quarterfinals
9,999
$150
9th Place
Lost in Round of 16
5,000
$25
10th Place
Lost in Round of 16
5,000
$25
11th Place
Lost in Round of 16
5,000
$25
12th Place
Lost in Round of 16
5,000
$25
13th Place
Lost in Round of 16
5,000
$25
14th Place
Lost in Round of 16
5,000
$25
15th Place
Lost in Round of 16
5,000
$25
16th Place
Lost in Round of 16
5,000
$25
Summary of Rewards
1st Place: Advances to Finals, receives 50,000 Crowns.
2nd Place: 25,000 Crowns + $500 in USDC.
3rd & 4th Place: 15,000 Crowns + $250 in USDC each.
5th to 8th Place: 9,999 Crowns + $150 in USDC each.
9th to 16th Place: 5,000 Crowns + $25 in USDC each.
In addition to the main prize pool, the top 8 players in each Elo band (Under 2000, Under 2300, and Open) within each region will receive bonus Crowns based on their performance.
Placement
Bonus Prize for Top 8 in Each Elo Band
Under 2000 Elo
Under 2300 Elo
Open
1st Place
Crowns
9,999
9,999
9,999
2nd Place
Crowns
3,897
3,897
3,897
3rd Place
Crowns
1,299
1,299
1,299
4th Place
Crowns
1,000
1,000
1,000
5th Place
Crowns
800
800
800
6th Place
Crowns
600
600
600
7th Place
Crowns
400
400
400
8th Place
Crowns
200
200
200
Top 8 Players in Each Elo Band (per region):
1st Place: 9,999 Crowns
2nd Place: 3,897 Crowns
3rd Place: 1,299 Crowns
4th Place: 1,000 Crowns
5th Place: 800 Crowns
6th Place: 600 Crowns
7th Place: 400 Crowns
8th Place: 200 Crowns
In recognition of top-performing female players, the top 3 female players in each region will receive additional Crowns as bonus prizes. Here’s the breakdown:
Placement
Bonus Prize for Top 3 Female Players in Each Region
Crowns (All Elo Bands)
1st Place
Crowns
9,999
2nd Place
Crowns
3,897
3rd Place
Crowns
1,299
Top 3 Female Players in Each Region:
1st Place: 9,999 Crowns
2nd Place: 3,897 Crowns
3rd Place: 1,299 Crowns
Placement
Prize
Crowns
Additional Reward
1st
Entry to Regional Finals
9,999
3-Month Pro Pass
2nd
Entry to Regional Finals
3,000
3-Month Pro Pass
3rd
Entry to Regional Finals
2,000
3-Month Pro Pass
4th
Entry to Regional Finals
1,000
3-Month Pro Pass
Prize Breakdown for Open Division
Placement
Prize
Crowns
Additional Reward
1st
Entry to Regional Finals
9,999
3-Month Pro Pass
2nd
Entry to Regional Finals
3,000
3-Month Pro Pass
3rd
Entry to Regional Finals
2,000
3-Month Pro Pass
4th
Entry to Regional Finals
1,000
3-Month Pro Pass
5th-8th
Entry to Regional Finals
—
3-Month Pro Pass
Top 4 Players in U2000 and U2300: Advance to Regional Finals with Crowns and a 3-Month Pro Pass.
Top 8 Players in Open Division: Advance to Regional Finals, each receiving a 3-Month Pro Pass; Crowns are awarded to the top 4 only.
Pro Pass: All players advancing to the Regional Finals receive a 3-month Pro Pass.
Payments: All payments will be made to players' registered Checkmate Live wallets at the conclusion of the tournament.
Crowns and Pro Passes: Awarded to players ranked 1-3 and credited automatically to accounts at the conclusion of qualifiers. For players ranked 4-16, Crowns and Pro Passes are credited at the conclusion of the Fair Play window.
USDC Payments: Cash prizes in USDC are paid to each player’s registered wallet at the conclusion of the tournament and after the Fair Play window.
Grand Final Prize Pool: The USD $25,000 Grand Final Prize Pool is paid by the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club.
All prizes and participant eligibility are subject to Checkmate Live's Fair Play Policy and Terms and Conditions.
The total prize pool for the Al Ain tournament amounts to $60,000 USD. USD $25,000 of the Grand Final Prize Pool and travel arrangements are provided by the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, which will host the live final and distribute this portion directly to the finalists in accordance with UAE regulations. The remaining prize pool is managed by Checkmate Live as in-game currency, digital assets, and non-monetary benefits, with the exception of cash prizes awarded during the online qualifiers and regional finals.
Checkmate Live cash prizes are paid in USDC (USD Coin, a cryptocurrency stablecoin) to applicable players' non-custodial Web3 wallets at the conclusion of the tournament. By participating, players acknowledge that they are responsible for securing access to a compliant non-custodial wallet and understanding any regulatory or tax obligations related to receiving cryptocurrency. Checkmate Live’s prize distribution complies with Australian law, and all prizes are non-redeemable for cash, non-transferable, and intended solely for use within the Checkmate Live platform and affiliated events.
The Checkmate Live platform is currently in Alpha. As such, players may experience technical issues or unexpected disruptions. New updates or feature releases may introduce bugs or temporarily impact gameplay. The tournament organizers reserve the right to modify the tournament format, adjust match schedules, reschedule or cancel events in response to technical issues, player availability, or unforeseen operational challenges. If adjustments to the tournament format, match timing, or prize allocation are required due to technical difficulties (e.g., server outages, connectivity issues, or platform malfunctions), the organizers will notify affected players and make every effort to ensure fair competition and minimize disruptions.
Match Rescheduling and Replays In cases of connectivity issues or server errors affecting gameplay, the tournament organizers may reschedule matches, require replays, or assign alternative match outcomes at their discretion to maintain fairness.
Responsibility for Technical Equipment Players are responsible for ensuring that they have the appropriate and reliable technical setup (e.g., compatible device, internet connection) to participate. The organizers are not liable for issues arising from personal equipment failures or internet instability on the players' end.
The Regional Qualifiers Knockout Stage of The Echess Championship: The Road to Al Ain will be broadcast remotely. All players must have access to a desktop computer, web camera, and mobile phone with an internet connection that meets the tournament's minimum requirements.
Assistance and instructions for setting up streaming are available on the Checkmate Live support page. Players should ensure that their streaming setup is fully functional and meets all technical requirements prior to the tournament.
Players must be available to participate on the following days and times:
Regional Finals Player Orientation: December 3rd, TBA
Regional Finals: December 8/9 as per the regional final time
Grand Final: December 20-23, Al Ain, UAE
Players who qualify for the Regional Qualifiers or but are unable to compete on these scheduled days and times will be replaced by the next highest-ranking players within their pool.
This series will be broadcast, and players must have internet speeds that meet the tournament’s minimum requirements to ensure a smooth playing experience:
Download Speed: 15 Mbps minimum
Upload Speed: 15 Mbps minimum
Ping Rate: Less than 150 ms
Players are responsible for ensuring their connection meets these requirements, as connection issues may impact their eligibility to participate.
Employees, representatives, and immediate family members of Checkmate Live, as well as any individuals associated with tournament sponsors, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising, promotion, and publicity agencies, are not eligible to participate in the competition.
Qualifiers
Allowed to stream own games while playing*
Allowed to stream players' games
Players are permitted to stream their games directly during the Qualifiers stage while they are playing.
Regional Qualifiers
Not allowed to stream own games
Interested third parties may stream games with approval
Players may arrange for a third-party account (not their own) to restream. Interested third parties wishing to stream the Regional Qualifiers must notify Checkmate Live of this arrangement no later than seven days prior to the tournament. Player accounts will be monitored.
Finals
Not allowed to stream own games
Authorized partners and registered co-streams only
Only authorized partners and registered co-streams may broadcast games. Players may arrange for restreaming through a registered third-party account, but cannot stream directly from their own account to their channel. Notification to Checkmate Live of third-party arrangements is required seven days in advance. Public view is delayed.
Streaming directly from your player PC or device may impact bandwidth. The Checkmate Live platform has been calibrated to ensure the in-platform video does not affect latency, but by streaming your games using third-party software to third-party platforms, you acknowledge this may impact your game experience and could result in disconnections or latency issues.
Policy Summary:
Qualifiers:
Player Access: Players are permitted to stream directly from their accounts while playing, to engage with fans and build their channels
Streamer Access: Checkmate Live registered users can stream matches and commentate games
Regional Qualifiers:
Player Access: Players are not permitted to stream directly to maintain competitive integrity.
Streamer Access: Third parties may stream games with prior approval. Players may arrange for restreaming through a third-party account (not their own) and must notify Checkmate Live of this arrangement at least seven days prior. Player accounts will be actively monitored for compliance.
Finals:
Player Access: Direct streaming from player accounts is not allowed.
Streamer Access: Only authorized partners and registered co-streams may stream the Finals. Players may arrange for restreaming via a registered third-party account, with prior notification to Checkmate Live seven days in advance. Public view is delayed to ensure competitive integrity.
Age Requirement
Participants must be 18 years or older and able to travel unaccompanied due to the nature of international travel and competition logistics. This age requirement is a standard practice for Checkmate Live tournaments and ensures compliance with global travel regulations.
Accessibility and On-Ground Support
We are committed to making the tournament accessible to all participants. Players with mobility challenges will receive on-ground support upon arrival in the UAE to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. If you require mobility assistance or other accommodations, please let us know during registration.
For additional questions regarding accessibility, please contact us at [Accessibility Contact Email].
Travel and Accommodation
Qualified players must be able to depart from their city of origin, arriving in the UAE no later than 5:00 pm on December 20, 2024 (UAE time). The city of origin is defined as an international airport departure point; players are responsible for their own transportation to and from this departure point.
The tournament host will cover:
International flights to and from the UAE
Local accommodation and hotel meals during the tournament in Al Ain
On-ground transportation to and from the Airport and media engagements
Costs incurred for itinerary changes are the responsibility of the player and will be deducted from your purse.
The official airports for the event are Dubai, Sharjah & Abu Dhabi
Accommodation
Five Star Danat Al Ain Resort
Address: Al Salam Street, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Telephone: +971 3 704 6000
Fax: +971 3 704 6009
All Grand Final participants will enjoy the luxurious amenities and comfort of the Danat Al Ain Resort, with accommodations and meals covered by the host. Additional room charges and incidentals are the responsibility of the player. A valid credit card must be provided to the hotel upon check-in, and a copy of your passport will also be required, as per hotel policy.
Venue:
PEARL BALLROOM
Located within the Five Star Danat Al Ain Resort
Dining options
The Five Star Danat Al Ain Resort has a range of fully licensed dining options offering International, Local, Gluten-free Halal, Vegetarian and Vegan options.
International Airports
Transfers to and from these airports during the official competition period (14 to 23 Dec 2024) will be provided based on the arrival and departure date. A competition representative will be waiting on arrival with your name displayed on a sign. In the event you require an assistance message Checkmate Live via chat on our website and a representative will assist you.
Zayed International airport (AUH) is located 154 kilometres from the official hotel.
Dubai airport (DXB) is located 118 kilometres from the official hotel.
Sharjah international airport (SHJ) is located 158 kilometres from the official hotel.
Local Travel Subsidy
Local travel subsidies are available for players who may need financial assistance to reach their designated international departure point. These subsidies are awarded based on demonstrated financial need to ensure diverse participation. If you wish to apply, please indicate your interest in the registration form, and our team will follow up to discuss eligibility. However a player must have a credit card for hotel checkin.
Fair Play and Inclusivity
Checkmate Live is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and fair competition environment. Our tournament policies are designed to support players from diverse backgrounds and abilities, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to compete at their best.
Visa Arrangements
Participants in the regional qualifiers must verify their visa requirements for entry into the UAE. Some nationalities are eligible for visa-on-arrival, while others must obtain a visa in advance. To determine your specific requirements, please consult this visa information page.
If you require a visa, and require assistance and are not eligible for visa-on-arrival, please send a color copy of your passport and a recent photograph to echess@checkmate.live. The host can assist in organising your visa for a fee of $100, which will be deducted from your prize purse. Ensure that a digital ID photo and a clear scanned copy of your passport are uploaded in the registration form provided to Grand Finalists.
Please note that visa processing times may vary, so it is advisable to submit your documents promptly to ensure timely arrangements.
Orientation and Media Appearances
All players are expected to attend a mandatory rules meeting and orientation, be available for media interviews and meet-and-greet sessions from the time of their arrival through hotel checkout. Additionally, players will enjoy a guided local tour to experience the sights and culture of Al Ain.
These activities are an essential part of the Grand Final experience, and we encourage all participants to engage fully. Please ensure availability for all scheduled events and media commitments. A detailed schedule will be provided upon arrival, carefully balanced to allow ample time for preparation and rest ahead of the final
Checkmate Live aims to create a comfortable yet professional environment for tournaments.
Players who reach the Regional and Grand Final are expected to adhere to the following dress code where applicable for online and in-person play. The rule of thumb is if you are on camera, the rules apply.
Clean, well-fitted jeans, khakis, dress pants, or chinos (without excessive rips or tears)
Collared shirts, polo shirts, or neat t-shirts (team/esports jerseys allowed if the player is a team member and the attire is signed off)
Sweaters, hoodies, or light jackets
Closed-toe shoes (clean sneakers acceptable)
Suits, sports jacketsor dinners if you wish
Team uniforms or national costumes (if applicable)
Flip-flops, sandals, or open-toe shoes (save it for the pool)
Excessively baggy or torn clothing
Clothing with offensive language or imagery
Cosplay, pyjamas, sleepwear, or outfits that are overly casual or intended as a joke (unless pre-approved by the organisers)
Hats or caps (except for religious reasons)
Attire Sign-off: All branded attire, including team jerseys, sponsor logos, or visible fashion labels, must be submitted for approval at least seven days before the event to avoid conflicts with host sponsors.
No Unauthorised Branding: Players are not permitted to wear branded clothing unless it has been signed off in advance, including any visible fashion labels.
Sponsor Conflicts: Checkmate Live reserves the right to request that players cover any sponsor logos that directly conflict with the host sponsor. To avoid such situations, please ensure that all livery is signed off seven days prior to the event.
Unapproved Attire: Players arriving on the day with unapproved branded attire will be provided with an official match t-shirt or shirt to comply with tournament regulations. Alternatively, gaffer tape may be used to cover unauthorised branding.
Venue Conditions: Players should consider that while the playing area will be air-conditioned, certain components of the event may take place outdoors. Additionally, the organisers may have limited control over climate control within the venue. Players are advised to dress in layers or bring appropriate attire to ensure comfort regardless of conditions.
Clean and Presentable: All clothing must be clean and in good condition.
Team Representation: Players representing teams should aim for a cohesive appearance.
Comfort: Comfortable attire is encouraged
To maintain a family-friendly environment and comply with local regulations, the following sponsorship categories are restricted:
Gambling and betting services
Alcoholic beverages
Tobacco and e-cigarette products
Adult entertainment
Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
Political campaigns or items with political messages
Controversial social causes
Sponsorships that conflict with Checkmate Lives 's values, community standards broadcast or tournament sponsors may be restricted.
Tournament officials reserve the right to ask players to change if their attire does not meet these guidelines. Violations may result in disqualification from the tournament or a fine, which will be deducted from the player’s prize purse.
By implementing this dress code, Checkmate Live aims to foster a professional yet comfortable atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. The restricted sponsorship categories ensure compliance with local regulations and help maintain a family-friendly environment.
The Road to Al Ain Grand Final will be played on Checkmate Live and PC desktops. For matches held on-site at the LAN venue, all players must adhere to the following equipment and usage guidelines. FIDE Hybrid Chess Rules will apply to the Grand Final stage to ensure competitive integrity.
Provided Equipment: Players must use the designated PC, monitor, mouse, LAN station headset, and equipment provided by Checkmate Live. The use of personal or third-party equipment is not permitted unless specifically approved by a Checkmate Live..
Approval Process: Any personal equipment must be signed off by Checkmate Live Officials at least seven days prior to the event. Additionally, a sealed version of the item, along with a backup, must be provided directly by the manufacturer to ensure standardization and compliance. Checkmate Live reserves the right to decline any equipment request. Non-authorized drivers will not be allowed.
No Third-Party Devices: Players are strictly prohibited from using any third-party devices, including smartwatches, fitness trackers, or similar electronic devices, during their matches.
Reporting Issues: If a player encounters an issue with any provided equipment during a match, they should notify a Checkmate Live Official via in-game chat and inform the supervising arbiter at the LAN station.
Audio Equipment Responsibility: Players are solely responsible for ensuring the functionality of their audio equipment before each game starts. It is advised to test all audio settings prior to the match.
Issue Resolution: Upon confirmation of an issue, Checkmate Live and Host Officials will determine the appropriate course of action and the outcome related to the specific issue.
Restricted Applications: Players are prohibited from using unauthorized third-party applications, programs, or downloading any software onto LAN computers.
By following these guidelines, Checkmate Live ensures a standardized, fair, and controlled environment for all tournament participants. Non-compliance with these guidelines may result in penalties as determined by tournament officials.
Each player must maintain a single, personal Checkmate Live account. If a player encounters issues accessing their account and creates a new one, they must submit a support ticket with a detailed explanation of why the original account could not be accessed.
Checkmate Live reserves the right to edit usernames and URL aliases if they do not comply with the following guidelines. The following types of usernames are strictly prohibited:
Third-Party Rights: Names protected by third-party rights, including copyrighted terms, without written permission.
Brands and Trademarks: Names that resemble or are identical to a brand or trademark, regardless of registration status.
Real People: Names that resemble or are identical to any real person other than the player.
Platform and Partner Names: Names associated with Checkmate Live, FIDE, Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, or any Checkmate Live partners, as well as platform products or services.
Employee and Player Names: Names that resemble or are identical to Checkmate Live employees, or attempt to claim (“landgrab”) real FIDE player names.
Nonsense or Inappropriate Content: Names that contain gibberish, offensive language, defamatory content, vulgarity, antisemitic references, hate speech, or any content that is pejorative, obscene, or offensive.
Any nicknames or team names that are purely commercial (e.g., product names), defamatory, incite hatred, or otherwise breach good manners are also prohibited. Using alternative spelling, nonsensical combinations, or intentional misspellings to bypass these rules is not allowed. We reserve the right to amend or expand these rules as necessary.
Country of Residence
A player's country must be set to their country of residence as per their passport at the time of registration. Deliberately falsifying the country of residence is a punishable offense. Changing a country of residence to bypass restrictions or attempting to fake or exploit residency will lead to penalties. Checkmate Live welcomes players from all eligible countries, so there is no need to engage in this behavior.
Account Integrity
A player’s tournament account is strictly personal and must not be shared with any other individual. Violations of this rule will incur penalties. The account registrant must always be the individual using the account, which cannot be lent or transferred under any circumstances. Any instances of account sharing or multiple accounts will be treated as violations and pursued according to tournament rules.
Violation of any part of these Official Rules will, at the Tournament Organizer’s discretion, result in sanctions and/or loss of winner status.
All players must follow the Tournament Organizer’s directions, and all decisions and rulings by the Tournament Organizer are final and binding. The Organizer reserves the right to sanction any player at any time and for any reason within the competition.
Sanctions may include (in no specific order):
Warning
Reprimand
Forfeiture of a single match
Forfeiture of all matches
Loss of awards
Disqualification from The Echess Championship: The Road to Al Ain
The Tournament Organizer also reserves the right to publicly announce any penalties levied on players. Players who have been penalized by the Tournament Organizer waive any right of legal action against Checkmate Live, its partners, or any of its affiliates. Checkmate Live reserves the right to enforce its own Fair Play rulings which are applicable to the user of the platform as per its Fair Play Policy and Terms of Use.
Intellectual Property Rights
By participating, players agree to the following:
Assignment of Rights: You assign to Checkmate Live and its partners all rights in photographic and audio-visual recordings of yourself related to the Tournament and any promotional event related to the Tournament.
Waiver of Moral Rights: You waive any moral rights in respect of your involvement in the Tournament, including any recordings of that involvement.
Usage of Name and Logo: You grant Checkmate Live a royalty-free, perpetual, worldwide license to use your name and logos for promoting The Echess Championship: The Road to Al Ain, future tournaments, Echess initiatives or similar initiatives, as well as the Checkmate Live platform. This material may also be sublicensed to others for promotional purposes.
No Ownership Transfer: Neither you nor Checkmate Live will obtain any Intellectual Property Rights in the other’s logo, trademark, or know-how by operation of this Agreement.
This clause grants Checkmate Live and the organizer the perpetual, worldwide right to promote the Tournament, future tournaments, Echess initiatives, and the Checkmate Live platform using relevant player assets.
Sponsorship Rights
Checkmate Live has the exclusive right to manage all sponsorship and promotional opportunities related to the Tournament. Players may acquire ad sponsorships to a limited extent. However, sponsorships in certain restricted categories may not be displayed during the Tournament. The Tournament Organizer reserves the right to prohibit any third-party sponsorships, including but not limited to:
Gambling or gambling-related websites
Alcohol, tobacco, and non-over-the-counter drugs
Firearms and weapons of any kind
Pornographic or adult content
Products or services from direct competitors of Checkmate Live or its partners
Checkmate Live claims all rights associated with the broadcast, coverage, data collection, and media distribution of The Echess Championship: The Road to Al Ain, including the Regional Qualifiers, Finals, and any related promotional events. This includes the right to capture, broadcast, reproduce, and distribute all visual, audio-visual, and data-driven content generated during the tournament across any current or future media platform.
Checkmate Live also holds exclusive rights over game data and related metadata collected throughout the tournament, including player statistics, game outcomes, and performance analytics. This data may be used, licensed, or distributed to enhance tournament coverage, promote the platform, and engage the broader community.
Checkmate Live retains the exclusive authority to assign or license these media and data rights to third parties, or to players, as deemed appropriate. This exclusivity ensures that Checkmate Live has full control over the tournament’s media and data presence, enabling comprehensive promotional activities and maximizing reach to an engaged audience.
All written communication, including appeals, protests, chats or support tickets and any correspondence from tournament administrators, is confidential and cannot be published without permission from Checkmate Live or its partners.
The Tournament Organizer reserves the right to amend or update the rules and regulations at any time, as necessary to account for conflicts in partner or stakeholder terms or to clarify tournament rules.
Participation in The Echess Championship: The Road to Al Ain constitutes consent, legal agreement, and acceptance of all tournament rules, policies, and regulations as set forth by Checkmate Live. By entering and participating in the tournament, each player acknowledges their understanding and compliance with these rules and agrees to abide by all terms, conditions, and decisions made by the Tournament Organizer.
This agreement covers all aspects of participation, including but not limited to game coverage, media, and data rights, as well as any penalties or sanctions for rule violations.
