Gaijin Tournament Rules

These Gaijin Tournament Rules (“Rules”) establish the general guidelines for tournaments and other competitive activities within Gaijin’s Game(s) (collectively “Tournaments”). These rules cover the eligibility of Participants (as defined below), Tournament structures, prize awards, and rules of conduct. They also outline limitations of liability and other legally binding contractual terms that govern the Participant’s rights and obligations. 

Specific Tournaments may have additional rules. Any such additional rules will be communicated to Participants before the start of the particular Tournament. Participants must accept these rules before entering the Tournament. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, these Rules take precedence in case of any conflict between such additional Tournament rules and these. Details of any additional Tournament rules are provided in Section 5.1 below.

These Rules are to be applied together with the Terms and Conditions, including the Terms of Service, and are binding on all Participants. By entering any Tournament, the Participant agrees to comply with these and the specific Tournament Rules.

Capitalized terms not defined in this document shall be interpreted according to the EULA and the Terms of Service.

PARTICIPANTS MUST READ, UNDERSTAND, AND AGREE TO THESE RULES, AS WELL AS ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TOURNAMENT RULES, BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN THE TOURNAMENT. BY DOING SO, THEY ENTER AN AGREEMENT WITH THE ORGANIZER AND AGREE TO ABIDE BY THE TERMS HEREIN.

Language and Interpretation. The English version of this document is the official version. In case of any differences or disputes regarding interpretation, validity, or form, the English version shall prevail.

1. DEFINITIONS

“Event Rules” refers to terms, instructions, messages, or any other information the Organizer publishes about a specific Tournament. This includes the offer to participate, which is an integral part of these Rules. For clarity, the Event Rules apply only to the particular Tournament for which they are issued and not to other Tournaments.

“Game(s)” refers to any of the videogames, including downloadable content (DLC), expansions, updates, patches, and any other content published and/or licensed by Gaijin under an End User License Agreement (EULA) for use by Users on any platform (e.g., Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android, etc.) whether accessed by digital download, physical media, or other distribution methods.

“Lobby” refers to the in-game functionality that allows Participants to connect to a Match.

“Match” refers to one or more Tournament rounds (battles) in a Game(s), typically played between two Teams.

“Organizer” refers to the principal entity responsible for organizing and conducting the Tournament. Please note that the Organizer of the Tournaments conducted via the War Thunder Tournament Service is Gaijin Network Ltd, a Cypriot company with registration number HE 312702 and registered office at 63 Ifigeneias Street, Office 302, Strovolos 2003, Nicosia, Cyprus. (“Gaijin”). 

“Participant” refers to any Player or Team participating or intending to participate in a Tournament, subject to compliance with these Rules. 

“Platform” refers to the Website(s), software, or other technology owned or controlled by the Organizer, used to arrange, conduct, and record the Tournaments and Matches. This includes any mobile or computer applications, websites, and any emerging or new technologies utilized to facilitate Tournaments and Matches (including but not limited to the War Thunder Tournament Service available at https://tss.warthunder.com).

“Player” refers to an individual who participates or intends to participate in a Tournament as part of a Team, provided they comply with these Rules. 

“Prize” refers to the award(s) given to the Winner(s) of a Tournament, as established by the relevant Event Rules.

“Sponsor” refers to a person or an entity sponsoring the Tournament and participating in its organization within the limits set by these Rules.

“Team” refers to an organized group of Players participating or intending to participate in the Tournament, in compliance with these Rules. The Organizer determines the minimum and maximum numbers of Players per Team for each Tournament.

“Team Captain” refers to a Team member representing the Team's interests to the Organizer. The Team Captain is responsible for communicating with the Organizer on behalf of the Players in the Team. The Team Captain must also be a Player and a corresponding Team member.

“Tournament” refers to any competitive event organized and/or conducted by the Organizer via a Platform, where Players compete in Teams against other Teams in Matches.

“Winner” refers to a Participant entitled to a Prize as outlined in the Event Rules.

2. TOURNAMENT PARTICIPATION

2.1. Player Eligibility. To be eligible to participate in a Tournament, a Player must meet the following criteria:

-Be at least 18 years old or the age of majority in their jurisdiction, whichever is higher, to be able to accept and be bound by these Rules;

- Have a valid Gaijin Account;

- Must not participate in more than one Team at a time;

- Must not be a director, officer, or employee of the Organizer, nor a relative of any Organizer employee, or any entity that is affiliated with the Organizer (e.g., controlled by, or under common control with the Organizer), unless the Organizer has been notified and has expressly authorized such a relationship in writing; and

- Comply with any additional eligibility requirements specified in the Event Rules, which may include, but are not limited to, ranking requirements, regional limitations, or the availability of specific in-game items (e.g., vehicles, weapons) on their Gaijin Account.

2.2. Team Eligibility. To be eligible to participate in a Tournament, a Team must meet the following criteria:

- Consist of at least the minimum number of Players required for the Tournament, with (i) all members meeting the Player eligibility requirements stated in these Rules and the Event Rules; (ii) must designate one Player as the Team Captain, who will represent the Team in all matters related to the Tournament;

- Have a name that complies with these Rules and the Gaijin Community Guidelines; and

- Be duly registered on the corresponding Platform in accordance with the Event Rules' eligibility requirements (if applicable).

2.3. Participants may only participate in a Tournament if their participation does not violate applicable laws nor infringe, violate, or misappropriate the rights of any third party. It is the responsibility of the Participants to ensure that their participation in the Tournament is fully compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. Participants must take all necessary actions to ensure their compliance. 

2.4. The Organizer reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to determine the eligibility of any Participant in accordance with these Rules and the Event Rules. Participants acknowledge that their eligibility status may change if they no longer meet the abovementioned requirements.

2.5. The Organizer has the right to exclude any Participant from a Tournament for any reason at any time at its sole discretion.

3. GENERAL RULES

3.1. Acceptance. To participate in a Tournament, each Participant must agree to these Rules. Participants can accept these Rules by one of the following methods: 

- Registering a Gaijin Account;

- Creating or joining a Team;

- Accepting a Match invite.

3.2. Team Registration. Each Player can only participate in a Tournament as a Team member created on the Platform by the Team Captain. A Player can join a Team as follows:.

If a Team is Formed as Public on a Platform. Player may join the Team by selecting the corresponding Team on the Platform.

If a Team is Formed as Private on a Platform. Player may only join the Team after receiving a direct invitation from the Team Captain.

The Team name must adhere to the Gaijin Community Guidelines. Specifically, the Team name must not contain any offensive, obscene, extremist, or erotic content, nor should it infringe third-party intellectual property rights. If these guidelines are violated or breached, the Organizer will remove the Team from the Tournament.

3.3. Tournament Schedule. Details about the Tournament schedule will be provided in the Event Rules and published on the Platform. The Event Rules generally include:

- Start time and countdown timer before the Tournament begins;

- Information about previous and upcoming Matches;

- Full Tournament schedule.

The Organizer reserves the right to change the Tournament schedule, including adjusting the time and date of upcoming Matches.

3.4. Bugs and Technical Errors. If a critical bug occurs (e.g., an error, flaw, or failure that causes unintended or incorrect results and significantly affects the outcome of Matches and severely hinders Tournament participation, the Organizer may:

- Restart the Match/Tournament with the same Teams and Players before the critical bug occurred;

- Declare Winners based on the results before the critical bug occurred;

- Offer compensation prizes to Participants (e.g., in-game items, valuables, or boosts).

Minor bugs, which do not significantly impact the outcome, are excluded from these provisions. The Organizer has the sole discretion to determine whether a bug is critical or minor.

If a critical bug affects only a few Participants, the Organizer may, at its sole discretion, award a compensation prize without canceling the Tournament, provided that the affected participant submits the relevant game log files to the Organizer.

3.5. Participation in Tournament Matches. To participate in a Match, Players must enter the Lobby that is automatically created for the corresponding Match. Players are invited to the Lobby one minute before the scheduled start. To confirm readiness, Players must press the “Ready” button.

A Match starts automatically when all the Players in both competing Teams are in the Lobby and have pressed the “Ready” button. If Players do not enter the Lobby or press the “Ready” button, the Match will start at the scheduled time, with the following effects:

- If one or more Players in the Team fail to enter the Lobby or press the “Ready” button, the Match will proceed without those Players. If all Players in the competing Team fail to enter the Lobby or press the “Ready” button, the Team will be automatically considered defeated in the Match;

- The Team may be disqualified from the Tournament if all its Players fail to enter the Lobby or press the “Ready” button for subsequent Match(es), including (i) play-off Matches and (ii) all group-stage Matches.

ATTENTION. If one of the competing Teams fails to enter the Lobby, the other Team must not disconnect from the Match and should wait for the server’s announcement of a technical victory. The Team that is present in the Lobby must remain there until it automatically closes after the Match results are recorded. If the Team leaves the Lobby before it closes automatically, they will be disqualified.

The Organizer reserves the right to ban a Participant from participating in any future Tournaments if the Participant forfeits a Match for any reason.

3.6. Disconnections. If a Player disconnects after the Match has started, the Match will continue as scheduled. The disconnected Player may reconnect before the Match is completed. Unless specified otherwise in these Rules or the Event Rules, no Matches will be restarted. 

3.7. Allowed Vehicles. During the Match, Players may only use the vehicles, weaponry, and/or other in-game items (collectively “Game Elements”) specified in the Event Rules. To participate in a Match, Players must have the eligible Game Elements available on their Gaijin Account and be assigned to the appropriate slot. 

3.8. Allowed Factions. If the Event Rules specify, Players must select a particular faction (such as a nation) before the Match begins. Once selected, Players are not permitted to change their chosen faction during the Match. 

3.9. Spectating and Streaming. Generally, only Match Participants are allowed in the Lobby during a Match. At the Organizer’s sole discretion, anyone, whether a Participant or not, may be authorized to broadcast (stream) the entire Tournament or specific Matches.

Unless explicitly authorized by the Organizer, Players and others are prohibited from broadcasting (streaming) the Matches publicly or privately on any platform or service.

3.10. Punishments. Any Participant found to have engaged in or attempted any act that the Organizer, at its sole and absolute discretion, deems as a violation of these Rules, Event Rules, or any other form of unfair play will be subject to penalties. These may include but are not limited to removal or permanent ban from participation in future Tournaments. The specific penalty imposed will be at the sole and absolute discretion of the Organizer. 

IMPORTANT. Organizer may establish specific rules regarding prohibited actions and punishments for Tournaments related to a particular Game(s). However, such specific rules must not contradict these general Rules. They will be published, for example, on Gaijin's official Website(s) or forum regarding the tournament rules for the War Thunder videogame.

3.11. Prize Eligibility Requirements. To be eligible to win a Prize, Participants must meet the additional prize eligibility requirements outlined in Section 6.4 of these Rules.

3.12. Non-Standard Situations. In the event of a situation not addressed in the current version of the Rules, the Organizer reserves the right to resolve the issue at their sole discretion. Additionally, the Organizer may amend the Rules and Event Rules during the Tournament if necessary to maintain the integrity of these Rules, the Event Rules, and/or the Tournament itself.

3.13. Applicability. These Rules apply to all Tournaments conducted and/or organized by Gaijin unless otherwise specified in the Event Rules. If the Tournament is organized by an entity other than Gaijin, these Rules may still be applied by reference. 

4. CODE OF CONDUCT

4.1. Participants must uphold the highest standards of personal integrity and good sportsmanship. They are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and sportsmanlike manner and interact respectfully with other Participants and the Organizer. 

4.2. Participants must adhere to the Gaijin Game Rules and Gaijin Community Guidelines while participating in the Tournament. The following actions are strictly prohibited: 

- Use of foul and abusive language;

- Violating Gaijin’s Game Rules, Gaijin Community Guidelines, or the EULA;

- Disrespectful or unsportsmanlike conduct, including but not limited to publicly abusing other Tournament Participants, Sponsors, or Organizer’s representatives;

- Cheating or behavior impacting game integrity (including but not limited to conspiracy, match-fixing, or any action intended to intentionally alter or attempt to alter the results of any Match and/or the Tournament);

- Allow anyone who is not a registered owner of the Gaijin Account to play on that Account during a Match or participate in a Match logged into a Gaijin Account registered to someone else.

4.3. Participants are expected to resolve any disputes respectfully, without resorting to violence, threats, or physical or non-physical intimidation. Violence in any form or context is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. 

4.4. Participants must demonstrate professionalism and sportsmanship, which includes entering the Lobby on time and being prepared to compete in all Matches according to the Tournament schedule. Forfeiting a Match without valid, reasonable cause is also prohibited.

4.5. If a participant becomes aware of any conduct prohibited by this Section 4, they are obligated to report the incident to the Organizer immediately. Failure to report such conduct constitutes a violation of these Rules in itself.

5. SPECIFIC TOURNAMENT DETAILS

5.1. Event Rules. The relevant Event Rules provide comprehensive details about the Tournament, which are communicated to Participants via the Platform. These Event Rules may cover the following aspects: 

- Name of the Tournament;

- Start and end dates of the Tournament;

- Tournament format;

- Procedures for determining the winner of the Match and the Tournament;

- Requirements for the number of Players in competing Teams;

- Total number of Teams participating in the Tournament;

- Map selection procedures;

- Number of Winners;

- Regions eligible to participate in the Tournament;

- Prize pool details and Prize delivery information;

- Match settings (e.g., game mode, server, allowed and restricted vehicles, weaponry, etc.);

- Any other relevant details regarding the Tournament and its Matches. 

5.2. Sponsor’s Involvement. Some Tournaments may be conducted in partnership with Sponsors. In such cases, the Organizer may outline specific Tournament details (including those described in Section 5.1 above) in the Event Rules based on the Sponsor’s input and requests. This may include decisions on the Tournament format, the list of allowed in-game vehicles, eligibility criteria for Participants, and other related aspects.

The Organizer remains the primary organizer and operator of the Tournament. Unless otherwise stated in these Rules and/or the Event Rules, the Sponsor is not involved in organizing or executing the Tournament. More specifically, the Sponsor does not participate in refereeing the Tournament, determining winners, distributing Prizes, or engaging with Participants on behalf of the Organizer. 

6. PRIZES

6.1. Certain Tournaments may award Prizes to Participants. Detailed information regarding the Prizes will be provided in the Event Rules, which Participants will receive before the start of each Tournament.

6.2. The existence, value, award, recipients, and any other aspects related to Tournament Prizes are determined solely by the Organizer. The Organizer's decisions regarding Prizes are final and binding for all Participants and may not be contested.

6.3. The Prize fund consists of the Main Prizes and Additional Prizes (as defined below), which will be distributed among the Winners according to the Event Rules.

6.3.1. The number and types of virtual Prizes, including in-game items, valuables, and other in-game features (“Main Prizes”), will be determined by the Organizer in the Event Rules. Sponsors may contribute to the Prize pool by providing Main Prizes to the Organizer. Main Prizes are automatically distributed to Winners through the Platform in accordance with the prescribed procedure. The Event Rules will also specify the criteria for selecting Winners.

6.3.2. Sponsors may, at their sole discretion, provide Additional Prizes in addition to the Main Prizes awarded by the Organizer (“Additional Prizes”), at the Sponsor’s expense. These additional prizes may include, but are not limited to, cash prizes. The Sponsor is solely responsible for delivering these Additional Prizes to the Winners. Unless explicitly stated otherwise in the Event Rules, the Winner must contact the Sponsor via email or another method specified by the Sponsor within 20 calendar days of being named a Winner to arrange delivery of the Prize.

EACH PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ADDITIONAL PRIZES ARE AWARDED SOLELY BY THE SPONSOR AND, THEREFORE, HEREBY RELEASES THE ORGANIZER FROM ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR COSTS, INJURIES, LOSSES, OR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND RELATED TO THE PARTICIPANT'S RECEIPT, USE, OR MISUSE OF ADDITIONAL PRIZES. THE ORGANIZER IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE SPONSOR’S ACTIONS OR OMISSIONS REGARDING THE DELIVERY OF ADDITIONAL PRIZES, AND ANY SUCH CLAIMS CANNOT BE MADE AGAINST THE ORGANIZER.

6.4. Winners are solely responsible for paying any taxes, fees, duties, or charges required by applicable laws and resolving any other issues related to receiving the Prize.

6.5. Main Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash or substituted in any way by the Organizer or Sponsor. If a Winner loses a Prize, it cannot be replaced.

6.6. If a Winner refuses to accept a Prize or fails to claim it in accordance with the procedures set by the Organizer and/or Sponsor, the Organizer and/or Sponsor may, at their discretion, dispose of the Prize as they see fit.

6.7. If a Participant eligible for a Prize violates any provisions of these Rules or other Tournament-related rules, including those regarding Prize eligibility, such Participant forfeits their right to the Prize. In such a case, the Organizer and/or Sponsor may choose to:

- Redistribute the Prize among other Winners;

- Award the Prize to Participants(s) who performed best in the Tournament; or

- Withhold the Prize.

6.8. When a Team is eligible to receive a Prize, the Prize should be shared equally among the Players on the Team, or as evenly as possible. No Player can transfer their right to a Prize to a teammate, nor can a Player claim the Prize on behalf of another teammate, even if the teammate fails to claim it.

7. FORCE MAJEURE

7.1. In the event of circumstances beyond the Organizer’s control, such as unplanned events or other exceptional situations (including, but not limited to, fire, flood, natural disasters, attacks on web servers, or industrial strikes) that threaten the financial or technical viability of the Tournament —whether or not the Organizer is responsible for such circumstances and provided the Organizer fulfills its obligations in good faith, the Organizer reserves the right to entirely cancel the Tournament or a part of it. If the Tournament is canceled, Participants will not be entitled to any compensation, including damages.

8. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY AND GENERAL RELEASE

8.1. As a condition for participating in a Tournament, and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and regulations, each Participant, on behalf of themselves and their heirs, spouses, guardians, executors, administrators, successors, assigns, and relatives, hereby releases, acquits, forever discharges, and holds harmless the Organizer, its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, sponsors, as well as the Sponsor and each of their respective officers, directors, employees and other representatives (collectively the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, charges, suits, actions, cause of actions, proceedings, investigations, disputes, or demands, of any kind or nature whatsoever, whether known or unknown, in law or equity, whether arising under statute, common law or otherwise. This release applies to all direct and indirect claims related to or arising from the Participant's involvement in the Tournament, including but not limited to the delivery, mis delivery, acceptance, possession, or inability to use any Prize, as well as any costs, injuries, illnesses, losses, damages (including personal injury, death, or property damage), or issues related to publicity, privacy rights, defamation, or portrayal in a false light (collectively, the “Released Claims”). Under no circumstances shall any Participant have the right to sue or assert any Released Claim against the Released Parties, and each Participant irrevocably waives any such right.

8.2. UNDER NO CIRCUMSANCES WILL THE ORGANIZER OR ANY OF ITS PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, OR THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVES BE LIABLE TO ANY PARTICIPANT OR ANYONE CLAIMING RIGHTS DERIVED FROM ANY PARTICIPANT, FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, SPECIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR DAMAGES RELATED TO THE LOSS OF DATA, REVENUE, PRIZES OR PROFIT. THIS APPLIES REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE DAMAGES ARISE FROM BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF SUCH DAMAGES WERE FORESEEABLE AND WHETHER OR NOT THE ORGANIZER OR ANY AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES WERE ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

9. MISCELLANEOUS

9.1. For any matters related to the Tournaments that are not explicitly addressed by these Rules, including but not limited to governing law and jurisdiction, warranty disclaimer, indemnification, Rules update and modification, severability, assignment, and termination, the relevant provisions of the Terms of Service will apply.

10. CONTACT INFORMATION

10.1. To contact Gaijin, please use our Support Service, which is available at support.gaijin.net.

Last updated: June 02, 2025