The following rules, as well everything mentioned in the FAQ apply to this league.

1. Cups

Please find below all necessary information concerning cups. Generally, the usual rules are applied as long as no special announcement was done in the corresponding news. We reserve the right to exclude players and teams from cups.

Protests and supports are to be filed after the cup. For urgent cases, please use the IRC channel #esl.cs.

1.1. Authorisation to play

All players must join their teams before the cup starts. Joining after the start of a cup leads to a prohibition of participating. Barred players are generally not allowed to take part in any cup.

1.1.1. Barrages

Players that get barred during the cup are allowed to finish it. Exceptions are barrages for: -cheating
-fake- & multi account
-unwanted comments & behaviour
-ringing

1.1.2. Disqualification / exclusion

We reserve the right of disqualifying players before as well as during a cup. If a participant stands out in a negative way they might be excluded from the running tournament.

1.2. Matches

1.2.1. Results

In case of problems with entering a result, the necessary media has to be uploaded and an admin should be contacted, preferably via IRC on #esl.cs.

1.2.1.1. Draw

If a game is drawn an overtime (MR3, startmoney 10,000) is played to determine a winner. Should the match still be drawn, it is played as long as a winner is ascertained.

1.2.2. Default wins

Default wins are only distributed if a player/team doesn't show up to the match or is prohibited to do so during the reasons mentioned under the point "Barrages". In addition, breaches of rule that lead to a match deletion may result in a belated default win. This rule only counts for cups that are held during several days. Entering a result on your own is not allowed. You have to open a support or contact an admin on IRC.

In cases of doubt, an admin might determine a winner by lot. This only happens if none of the teams can't provide evidence for a rating of the match due to missing screenshots, replays or wire anti-cheat files. The same goes for the case that none of the teams can provide a server.

1.2.2.1. No show

If a team/player isn't ready to play after a deadline of 10 minutes, a default win is to be requested. Entering „opponent didn't show up“ on your own isn't allowed. Agreeing on a new date to play is not allowed without consulting an admin.

2. Match Media

All match media (screenshots, demos, etc) must be kept for at least 14 days. In general, you should upload the match media from a match to the match page as soon as possible. Faking or manipulating match media is of course forbidden and will result in severe penalties. Match media should be named clearly based on what it is. It is not possible to file a protest or write a support ticket to complain about bad match media naming. However, if an admin is hindered in their work because of bad match media names then it can be punished for.

2.1. Screenshots

2.1.1. Score screenshot

A screenshot of the scoreboard at the end of each half must be taken and uploaded to the match page within 24 hours.

2.1.2. Status screenshot

A status screenshot must be taken:

• at the beginning of the match
• in case of a server/player change
• if a player reconnects

Status screenshots made with the help of programs like HLSW etc. are not sufficient.

In order to take a status screenshot you have to use the console command "status"status" followed by "snapshot".

It is the responsibility of both sides to ensure all screenshots are uploaded to the match page within 24 hours.

Matches are not deleted due to missing screenshots even if there are none at all. If one team doesn't agree with the result, a replay has to be filed as proof.

2.1.3. Error screenshots

Correct Error screenshots show the ESL-Clock and the error message. You can find the ESL-Clock on the top right hand side. We reserve the right to rate matches, too, if there is an error screenshot without the ESL-Clock, but where we can proof that all needed information is given. If WAC isn't closing at the end of a match, there have to be two screenshots showing WAC closing with at least 3 minutes between them to prove that WAC crashed.

2.2. Demos

It is mandatory for all players to record point of view (POV) demos for the full duration of all matches without exception. Players should record one demo per half of a map. HLTV demos are not valid.

In general for a missing / incomplete / defect replay the player/team gets 3/3 penalty points and the match will be deleted.

• if a maximum of 2 rounds of a demo that is requested is missing the match is deleted (only the first 2 rounds may be missing)
• if more than 2 rounds are missing the file counts as incomplete.
• in mr9 ladders only 1 round may be missing.

The knife round is to be recorded as well!

• a missing knife round won't lead to a match deletion but it will be punished with 1 penalty point for the player as well as the team.

Incomplete, defective or manipulated demos will be treated as missing demos.

2.2.1. Requesting demos

Demos can only be demanded up to a maximum of 30 minutes after a match via the 'Request match media (demos/replays)' function on the match details page.

A demo request has to be made in the following format: Team side

If it turns out that your demo request was not made according to the rules, you can correct it within the 30 minutes by posting it as match comment or reports.

Maximum amount of demos that can be requested:

- 5on5,4on4,3on3,2on2 : 4 demos per team, a maximum of 2 demos per player

- 1on1: a maximum of 2 demos per player

Both sides should check the demo requests of a match after the 30 minutes has passed. The requested demos must be uploaded to the ESL page within 48 hours (packed in separate *.zip files). If you use a program other than Winzip to zip your files, make sure that you choose "Compression method – normal". If you do not then you will get an error message like "file corrupted" and the upload will be aborted.

If any demos are missing after 24 hours then you have to open a protest ticket within the 72 hour protest period to complain. The player(s) will get an additional 24 hours from the opening of the protest to upload their demos.

If the player(s) still have not uploaded their demos within this deadline , then the match is to be deleted and the player(s) and team are punished with 3 penalty points. If the player(s) do upload their demos within the deadline, then the player(s) and the team will receive 1 penalty point.

3. Settings

3.1. Player Settings

3.1.1. Anti-cheat (ESL Wire Anti-Cheat)

ESL Wire Anti-Cheat is mandatory for all players to use for the full duration of all matches without exception. If a player cannot use ESL Wire Anti-Cheat then they are not allowed to take part in a match.

If the website is down, making ESL Wire Anti-Cheat unusable, then the match must be postponed.

3.1.2. Scripts

The following scripts are legal:

• buy scripts
• toggles (like sneaking/duck)*
• weapon switch scripts
• demo scripts
• DuckJump script

All other scripts are illegal, especially if they provide a gameplay advantage (bug use, no recoil, bunny hop, multiple-ducking etc.). The usage of +graph/-graph is also not allowed.

3.1.3. CVARs

The following must be set

• cl_movespeedkey 0.52
• cl_pitchspeed 225
• cl_showevents 0
• cl_pmanstats 0
• cl_lc 1
• cl_lw 1
• d_spriteskip 0
• gl_monolights 0
• gl_overbright 0
• gl_picmip 0
• gl_polyoffset 0-4
• s_show 0
• s_a3d 0
• lightgamma 2.5
• texgamma 2.0
• net_graph 0
• cl_showerror 0

Binding "+duck" on your mouse wheel is also forbidden.

Other values can be changed as long as they do not result in an unfair game play advantage that is comparable to a cheat.

Any wrong client settings will be penalized, even if it is not stored in the Counter-Strike folder. If possible, the scripts and config values should be stored in separate files. The maximum number of config files you are allowed to use for bindings/cvars/scripts/execs is 5. Please note that config files in subfolders also count. The ESL server settings do not count. If an admin cannot do his job properly because of too many config files, the player concerned will get penalty points. Filing a protest or writing a support ticket because of too many config files is not possible.

3.1.3.1. Match deletion due to wrong client settings

A match will be deleted if more than one player is using wrong client settings.

3.1.4. 32 bit

Using Video - Color Quality - Highest (32 bit) is mandatory.

3.1.5. A3D

Using A3D (2.0) is illegal.

Using tools/drivers that result in an A3D like effect it will be punished like using A3D (2.0).

3.1.6. Custom Files

Custom files (except Steam skins) are illegal.

Steam skins are skins that only change the Steam layout or the console. Changing models, crosshairs, the HUD, the scoreboard or any other files is illegal and results in the match being deleted (except for custom scoreboards) and penalty points to your player and team account.

Custom files include CS:CZ models, HLTV models and even little changes like the bomb LEDs or brasses.

Remember that if you own Counter-Strike Condition Zero, your default models are the Condition Zero ones, this will result in a deletion of the match.

You can download the official Counter-Strike 1.6 models here.

With every rule update, ESL GUI is updated aswell. You can download latest ESL GUI by clicking on this link

3.1.7. Graphics tools

Changing the graphic options or textures with the help of graphic card drivers or similar tools or programs is illegal.

3.2. Server Settings

3.2.1. Config

Config files with the settings for all ladders can be found in the eslconfig.zip file which is available for download. It also contains a readme file.

The team/player that provides the server is responsible for the server and the settings. In case of a server manipulation the team/player will be held accountable. In case of team matches this means that any player on the server can be held accountable.

3.2.2. Maps

drax's anti flashbug map pack is mandatory. In addition to that the maps de_tuscan,de_forge & de_mirage have to be available on the server.

3.2.3. VAC2

The server must be VAC2 protected.

3.2.4. Illegal mods

VAC, HLG, Soundcheck, Metamod, Clanmod or AMXMod are illegal.

4. Match rules

4.1. Game preparations

Please resolve any problems that might occur before the match starts. Agreements between the teams/players have to be posted as match comments.

4.1.1. Choice of server

Each team/player has the right to play one half of the match on their server. You can only make use of this right as long as the second half of the match has not started and if the alternative server fulfils the requirements as mentioned in the set of rules. Servers that provide equal conditions for both teams are prefered. We reserve the right to force teams to play both sides on the opponent's server if their server doesn't provide acceptable conditions for both parties. Generally, first half of the match is to be played on the server of the team listed on the left side of the match details.

4.1.2. HLTV

A match can be broadcasted via HLTV without asking the opponent, but the team who ordered the HTLV has to make an announcement via the match comments. The arrangement is up to the teams themselves.

If a HLTV broadcasts a game, the delay has to be set to 90 seconds or more.

4.1.3. Nicknames compulsory

Each player has to use a nickname that is at least very similar to the nickname he/she entered in his/her ESL player sheet. You are not allowed to change your nickname during the match. In team matches the players are allowed to use a clan tag which has to be the same for all players of the team. Filing a protest or writing a support ticket due to wrong nicknames is not possible. If an admin cannot do his job properly because of wrong nicknames, the players concerned will get penalty points.

4.1.4. Agreements

In case of agreements you always have to fulfil the requirements as mentioned under the previous Agreements point.
The following settings can be changed if one party requests it:

- sv_voiceenable 0 to 1

- HLTV

The following settings can be changed if both parties agree on it:

- mp_fadetoblack 1 to 0

- map changes once the map has been set

- accept players of the opposing team who are barred due to "Changing teams"

Agreeing on these changes must not depend on further conditions.

4.1.5. Warm up – Map Check

During the warm up the teams/players have to check whether the server settings are correct, whether the map has been loaded properly and whether the server uses the right maps (Anti Flashbug Mappack + ESL Mappack).

Before the match starts both teams have to say clearly that they are ready.

4.2. Ingame

4.2.1. Choice of team

A knife round has to be played before the match starts. It is up to the winner to choose sides (CT/T). If a team obstructs finishing the knife round before the round ends, the team gets 1 penalty point and the opposing team has the right to choose sides.

4.2.2. Number of players

Matches should be played 5on5, but if either side is missing a player the match can be played 4on5 or 4on4. The other team can choose whether to volunteer to play with one less player.

4.2.3. Player drops

In case of a player drop the pause function is to be used at the end of the round in order to wait for the dropped player for at least 10 minutes.

If there are not enough players on the server after the waiting time, you either have to file a protest or to continue according to Game intermissions. The pause is to be made by the team of the dropped player and unpaused as soon as both sides declare they are ready.

Exception for 5on5 ladders: The waiting time for one dropped player is 5 minutes. Should more players drop the waiting time is 10 minutes. If the complete team requests it, the match can be finished 4on5 after the waiting time.

4.2.4. Game Intermissions

If the match is interrupted during a map, the points that have been scored so far will be rated. The game is continued according to the following procedure:

The start money is set to 2000 and the team that lost the last round kills itself using the function “kill” in the console. This round does not count. The match begins with the following round. The start money has to be set to 800$ again.

4.2.5. Abortion of a match

If a team/player wins the majority of rounds on a map (e.g. 16 rounds for MR 15), the match can be aborted and the result must be entered (e.g. 16-4).

There is no need to play all rounds.

4.3. Illegal Actions

Any actions that result in an unfair advantage are illegal. This includes bug using of any kind and the following actions.

To throw grenades below walls is illegal while throwing them over walls or roofs is legal. However, it is perfectly allowed to buy as many equipment as you wish to during the buytime. If you do have questions about legal/illegal positions, please write a support ticket (subject: Map bugs).

4.3.1. Shield

Using the shield is illegal.

4.3.2. Mapbugs

de_airstrip, de_aztec, de_cbble, de_chateau, de_piranesi, de_storm, de_survivor, de_torn, de_vertigo, de_tuscan: none

de_dust: The following positions are illegal: [1] [2]

de_dust2: The following positions are illegal: [1] [2] [3]

It is legal to have several players on this box but they must not stand on each other: [1]

de_inferno: This roof is illegal.

de_nuke: Walking on this wall is illegal.

de_prodigy: Sitting on this lamp is legal, but not on the barbed wire.

de_train: Looking through this gap is illegal.

4.3.3. Selfkills/Teamkills

The intentional use of the console command ‘kill’ as well as intentional selfkills by other means are illegal.

Intentional teamkills during the match are illegal.

4.3.4. Planting the bomb

Planting the bomb in a in a non-reachable area is illegal.

The same goes for areas in which the bomb cannot be heard. (silent bomb)This does not go for areas that can only be reached with the help of a teammate.

4.3.5. Bugs General

Before the match:

Before the match starts the teams have to check whether the map has been loaded properly. In case of bugs (e.g. missing boxes, ladders etc.) the map has to be loaded again. By failing to check the map for bugs the teams agree to play on the map under the current conditions. Protests filed due to map bugs after the match will therefore be rejected.

During the match:

• Walking through walls, floors or roofs and 'skywalking' is illegal.

• Climbing rule: Climbing with the help of a team mate is legal. However positions where textures, walls or floors can be removed by certain movements are illegal (e.g. jumping). (e.g. the barbwire on de_prodigy, the upper roof on de_nuke etc. for further information please check the rule on map bugs)

• Using flashbugs is illegal.

• Please note that in addition to rule 3.3 Maps, the team who owns the server cannot file a protest if the teams failed to check whether drax's anti flashbug map pack has been installed or not.

• Throwing grenades below walls is illegal.

• 'Map swimming' or 'floating' is illegal.

• 'Pixelwalking' is illegal (to walk or stand on invisible edges)

• The intentional looking through gaps below boxes (e.g. with the AWP) is illegal.

• Defusing silently or with another sound is illegal.

4.3.6. Bypassing barrages and penalty points

Bypassing barrages and penalty points due to the creation of new teams is strictly forbidden. Existing penalty points / barrages will be transferred, barrages which result out of it may remain. Further sanctions for the teams and players in case of recurrence are reserved.

5. Penalty points

In general, a player and the team can receive up to 6 penalty points per match, unless a single violation has a higher punishment. A team is only punished once per violation, regardless of how many players. Where a player or team receives penalty points for multiple violations, the penalty points are added together.