**Update4** The Aequitas testing match link has been replaced with a TF2 match instead of CSS. A TF2 Aequitas test match should also show up in ESL Wire.

**Update3** cp_gorge has been removed from the mappool. It was a mistake, it has not been added to the news intentionally.

**Update2** The server settings have been updated again.

**Update** The new rulesystem is now online. Furthermore we changed the rule about the custom files. Here it is:

§ 2.1.4. Custom files

Custom files are absolutely forbidden. Custom files are files that change or exchange the in-game graphics, *.gcf or sounds (volume, soundscapes). HUD modifications and custom hit sounds (tf_dingaling_wav_override) are allowed.

The complete rules can be found under http://www.esl.eu/eu/tf2/6on6/league/season5/rules

Season V

As always we would like to execute the 6on6 League season V in different division. All teams who would like to participate are allowed to signup, you just need to upload a logo, enter your SteamID and enter your IRC channel or your ICQ numbers.
The new season will start at 24.02.2010 21:00 CET. You will be able to signup until 18.02.2010 23:59 CET and after the signup is closed we will classify all divisions and announce them then.

Matchmode & default date

Like in the previous season both teams have to fight on 2 maps against the other team. The maps will be decided by the admin team before the season starts. The default date of each match will be each Wednesday, 21:00 CET. Every team has the oppertunity to move the match one week behind two times. The match has to be moved by using one of the two wildcards (must be done at least 24 hours before the default date). If you used both of your wildcards, please open a protest if you would like move a match to another date.

Changes

Compared to the 6on6 League season IV we changed a few things which we would like to announce you in these news. The following things have been changed:

• Division classification
• Server Settings
• Rules
• Mappool
• Prizes
• Communication

Division classification

The new season will have a moving up. From now on, every team in each division is able to move up into higher division or to move down into a lower division.

Moving up system
1st place: Directly qualified for the higher division
2nd place: Directly qualified for the higher division
3rd place: Relegations match vs 10th place of the higher division
4th place: Relegations match vs 9th place of the higher division
5th - 8th place: Stays in the division
9th place: Relegations match vs 4th place of the lower division
10th place: Relegations match vs 3rd place of the lower division
11th place: Descent to the lower division
12th place: Descent to the lower division

*These system depends on the participants

Exception: 1st Division - Premier League

The Premier League will be the highest Division in the 6on6 League. Six teams will fight twice against each other to win it. Because of the small number of teams in it, we created a special moving up system for it.

Premier League
1st place: Champion
2nd place: Runners-Up
3rd place: Third place
4th place: Relegations match vs the 3rd placed of the 1st division
5th place: Relegations match vs the 2nd placed of the 1st division
6th place: Descent to 1st division

Division 1
1st place: Directly qualified for the Premier League
2nd place: Relegations match vs the 5th place of the Premier League
3rd place: Relegations match vs the 4th place of the Premier League
4th - 8th place: Stays in the division
9th place: Relegations match vs 4th place of the lower division
10th place: Relegations match vs 3rd place of the lower division
11th place: Descent to the lower division
12th place: Descent to the lower division

*The number of slots in Division 1 will depends on the participants

Server Settings

Many Team Fortress 2 Updates squeezed us to adapt the server settings of the Team Fortress 2 section. You can see all changes below in the changelog.

>>> Download Settings <<<

Rules

For the next season we changed our rulesystem. First of all, our rulesystem shines in a new design. We filtered out the gamespecific rules and wrote them down in the rules for the season. The rules can be found under http://www.esl.eu/eu/tf2/6on6/league/season5/rules/*

*Will be activated later

Unlocks

This rule is about the ingame unlocks like Force of Nature. But what does this rule define? Will it be allowed to use the ingame unlocks? Or will it be forbidden? You will get the answer here.

A few days ago we made a poll with the top 10 TF2 teams and the result was clear:

All of these teams wanted to forbid The Direct Hit, The Buff Banner, The Scottish Resistance, The Charging Targe, and the Sandman.
9 of these teams wanted to forbid the Eyelander.
8 of these teams wanted to forbid the Equalizer.
7 of these teams wanted to forbid the FaN, and 2 to limit it to 1 per team.
So, for this season, the unlockables weapon rules will be the following:

No Demoman weapon unlocks	No Soldier weapon unlocks
No Sandman	No Force of Nature

If both teams agree, the unlocks can be used aswell! Both teams have to confirm this via match comment, report or screenshot.

Ringer/mercs

You are not allowed to use any kind of ringer/mercs. In past the adminteam allowed that, but from now on any kind of using ringer/mercs is forbidden and will be punished (this is a global rule of the ESL platform which cannot be changed)!
The adminteam reserves to kick out the teams in some extreme cases.

**ATTENTION** Using Aequitas is mandatory. All Aequitas files must be uploaded within 24 hours after the match ended. We will punish all missing Aequitas files!
If you have any problems with Aequitas, please contact us as soon as possible. We suggest to use ESL Wire instead the standalone version of Aequitas. With ESL Wire you are able to start Aequitas easily and after the game has finished you can upload your file by an one-click-system. Many users also reported having less problems with ESL Wire.

Want to be sure your Aequitas works correctly before playing your first match?
If you are using ESL Wire you can test your Aequitas by joining the Aequitas Testing team and using the open match.

If you are using standalone Aequitas you can test your Aequitas with this match link:

http://www.esl.eu/eu/tf2/6on6/aequitas_test/match/17439532//

Mappool

In order with many top teams we decided to change the mappool compared to the previous season. In season V you will be allowed to play the following maps:

cp_well	cp_badlands	cp_gravelpit
cp_granary	ctf_turbine	cp_obscure
cp_gullywash	cp_freight

Prizes

For the next 6on6 League season we got two special prizes:

Each 1st place of a division will win a premium account in amount of 3 months. The 2nd place will earn 2 month. The 3rd place will earn 1 month.

Nevertheless each 1st place of a division will get a special place in our Hall of Fame.

But that's not all: The first four places of the Premier League will get an exclusive ESL Major Series Season VI slot. These teams will qualify automaticlly for the new season.

Communication

Last but not least, we would like to improve the communication with you. One big problem of the lasts 6on6 League seasons was that the adminteam didn't give you any chance to play a part in the 6on6 League seasons. But this era has ended. From now on we would like to give you the chance to talk with us about your problems, suggestions, etc. Every team which participates on the 6on6 League season V will get access to a special forum. In that forum you are allowed to talk about your problems, make suggestions or discuss about anything else.







If you have any problems feel free to contact us. You can find us 24/7 per week on IRC (#esl.tf2).

// Your Staff