Gameathlon Athens

Gameathlon: Athens is a competitive Age of Mythology: Retold tournament built to find and bring the best players in the world to Athens, Greece and compete in front of a live audience at the Olympic Stadium. The tournament consists of three stages: Online Preliminary Qualifier, Online Playoff Qualifiers, and Main Event.

The tournament administrators are responsible for overseeing the registration process and ensuring fair play by enforcing all tournament rules. They will handle any issues that may arise during the event, including disputes between players and technical difficulties. Administrators will also provide support to all participants by answering questions and addressing concerns throughout the tournament.

Tournament administrators have the authority to impose penalties on players who violate the tournament rules.

Administrators

• fophuxake
• Boit
• motaba

Official Livestreamers

Coverage will be available on both Twitch and YouTube platforms:

Boit	https://www.twitch.tv/iamboit · https://youtube.com/boittv
Gameathlon Main Event	https://www.twitch.tv/gameathlon · https://youtube.com/@gameathlongreece

Other casters will have open access to cover games throughout the tournament, including the main event. Replay packs will be provided after each stage and may be used for replay casts or learning purposes. Links can be found in the #gameathlon-replays Discord channel.

The schedule outlines all relevant games and notable events occurring throughout and prior to Gameathlon: Athens (AoM).

Signups

June 8	Signups Open
June 26 14:00 GMT	Signups Close

Online Preliminary Qualifier

June 27 - 28

Open Preliminary Qualifier

Online Playoff Qualifiers

June 29 – July 5	Playoff 1
July 6 – 12	Playoff 2
July 13 – 19	Playoff 3
July 20 – 26	Playoff 4
July 27 - August 2	Playoff 5

Main Event

September 11	Day 1
September 12	Day 2
September 13	Grand Finals

Online Playoff Qualifier Invites

• The top 8 players based on AoM Tournament ELO (https://aomstats.io/esports) will receive a direct Online Playoff Qualifiers invite.
• Recon
• Mosca
• Tunison
• Grass
• IamMagic
• HUSKSUPPE
• Miniyeti67
• El Matador

Main Event Invites

• All players with an S-tier (AoM Retold 1v1) tournament win will receive a direct Main Event invite.
• TheMista
• Kvoth
• TheRapl

• Single-elimination bracket.
• Seeding is based on Tournament ELO (if applicable, above 1000 ELO). Otherwise, seeding is based on ladder rating and is determined when signups close (June 26 14:00 GMT).
• All players who win their Round of 16 match automatically qualify for the Online Qualifier Playoffs.
• Players who lose their Round of 16 match will be eligible to partake in the Online Qualifier Playoffs based on their Tournament ELO (https://aomstats.io/esports). The Tournament ELO for these players will be captured at the end of the Online Preliminary Qualifier event and used to determine participation in the Online Qualifier Playoffs.
• Following each Playoff, the top player from the eligible Ro16 losers pool will be added as a Playoff participant to fill the available spot. This Playoff participant position cannot be rescinded.
• If a Playoff participant is unable to participate in a Playoff event, the top player from the eligible Ro16 losers pool will be added as a Playoff substitute to fill the available spot. This Playoff substitute position is only valid for the week that a substitute participant is necessary.

June 27 - Day 1

Matches will be played concurrently until the Round of 32; Round of 16 will be played sequentially and some games may be played on day 1, time permitting. Bracket size depends on sign-up count (e.g. 256, 128, or 64). Match lengths scale with round:

128 players	128 players (Bo3)
	64 players (Bo3)
	32 players (Bo5)
	16 players (Bo5)
64 players	64 players (Bo5)
	32 players (Bo5)
	16 players (Bo5)

June 28 - Day 2

Round of 16 matches will be played sequentially where time allows. 4 matches will be played on the main stream; 2 matches may be played concurrently depending on time.

• The top 8 players based on AoM Tournament ELO (https://aomstats.io/esports) will receive a direct online playoff qualifiers invite.
• The winner of each Online Qualifier Playoff event will receive an invite to the Main Event in Athens, Greece. This player can no longer participate in subsequent playoff events.
• Following each Playoff, the top player from the eligible Ro16 pool based on Online Preliminary Qualifier results will be added as a Playoff participant to fill the available spot. This Playoff participant position cannot be rescinded.
• If a Playoff participant is unable to participate in a Playoff event, the top player from the eligible Ro16 pool based on Online Preliminary Qualifier results will be added as a Playoff substitute to fill the available spot. This Playoff substitute position is only valid for the week that a substitute participant is necessary.
• Standard 16-player single-elimination bracket.
• Seeding is based on Tournament ELO and will be updated after each playoff.
• All matches are Bo5, except Finals: Bo7.
• Ro16 to be played during the week, free-schedule.
• Ro8 to be played sequentially on Saturday.
• Ro4 and Final to be played sequentially on Sunday.

The Main Event is contested by eight players across three days (Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September) at the Faliro Sports Pavilion. Play is a two-group GSL (double elimination) into cross-group playoffs, and every match, from the opening round through to the Grand Final, is a best of five.

Players and groups

Players are seeded 1 to 8 and placed into two groups by seeding:

• Group A: TheMista (1), Recon (4), Tunison (5), Grass (8)
• Group B: Kvoth (2), Rapl (3), Mosca (6), Magic (7)
• Substitutes, in order: (1) Suppe, (2) Matreiuss. If a seeded player is unable to compete, the first available substitute steps in following this order and takes seed 8 pushing everyone else up.

Draft

Each match uses a physical draft, following the same format as the qualifiers and playoffs. If the physical draft doesn't work for whatever reason we will use the same links as is in the qualifiers.

Group format

Each group is a four-player GSL (double elimination) bracket. Opening matchups are set by seeding within the group: Opening 1: group's top seed vs bottom seed. Opening 2: group's second vs third seed. Winners' Match: the two opening winners. The winner advances to the playoffs as the group's first seed. Elimination Match: the two opening losers. The loser is eliminated. Decider: the loser of the Winners' Match against the winner of the Elimination Match. The winner advances as the group's second seed.

This produces the following opening round:

• Group A Opening 1: TheMista vs Grass
• Group A Opening 2: Recon vs Tunison
• Group B Opening 1: Kvoth vs Magic
• Group B Opening 2: Rapl vs Mosca

Playoffs

The four group qualifiers meet in cross-group semi-finals:

• Semi-final 1: Group A first seed vs Group B second seed.
• Semi-final 2: Group B first seed vs Group A second seed.
• Grand Final: the two semi-final winners.

Running order (approximate times)

Times are indicative. Matches follow the running order rather than a fixed clock.

Friday, 11 September (from ~6:00 PM)

• ~6:00 PM: Group A Opening 1 (TheMista vs Grass)
• ~8:00 PM: Group A Opening 2 (Recon vs Tunison)
• ~10:00 PM: Group B Opening 1 (Kvoth vs Magic), carried on the main broadcast directly after Group A Opening 2
• ~10:00 PM: Group B Opening 2 (Rapl vs Mosca), running in the background from 10:00 PM, with the broadcast jumping over to it as time allows Expected finish around midnight

Saturday, 12 September (from ~12:00 PM)

• ~12:00 PM: Group A Winners' Match
• ~2:00 PM Group B Winners' Match
• ~4:00 PM: Group A Elimination
• ~6:00 PM: Group B Elimination
• ~8:00 PM: Group A Decider
• ~10:00 PM: Group B Decider

Sunday, 13 September (from ~11:00 AM)

• ~11:00 AM: Semi-final 1
• ~1:00 PM: Semi-final 2
• ~3:00 PM to 4:00 PM: Break for finals setup
• ~4:00 PM: Grand Final

To participate, players must have a start.gg account and be a member of Boit's Discord server:

Discord

https://discord.gg/UEADsH5

Important

• Main Event invitees are not allowed to participate in the Online Preliminary Qualifier or the Online Playoff Qualifiers events.
• Players who have qualified for the Main Event through the Online Playoff Qualifiers may not participate in subsequent Playoff Qualifiers.

Check-In Procedures

• To ensure a smooth start to each tournament day, all participants must check 30-minutes prior to every event they are participating in.
• Register for the event on start.gg - https://www.start.gg/tournament/gameathlon-athens-aom-open-qualifier/events

Registration Guidelines

• By registering, participants agree to all rules and settings outlined in this handbook.
• Your Steam username must not contain obscene or inappropriate language. This is subject to the discretion of the tournament organizers.
• Participants must not register using an account they do not own.

Patch Policy

If Age of Mythology: Retold receives an update before or during the event, the tournament administrators will decide whether to remain on the existing patch or adopt the new one. All participants must adhere to the patch version determined by the organizers.

Cheating and Fair Play

• Cheating or hacking of any kind is strictly prohibited. Any participant found using cheats, hacks, or third-party tools will be immediately disqualified and banned from all future events.
• Communication Restrictions: Communicating with anyone during a game—other than your opponent or a tournament administrator—is forbidden. Receiving external information or assistance from third parties during a match may result in disqualification.
• Scripts and Macros: The use of scripts or macros is not allowed. Any method of issuing multiple commands using a single action is considered an illegitimate advantage.
• Bugs and Exploits: Intentionally exploiting any bugs, glitches, or game errors is not permitted. Tournament administrators will determine whether the match should be replayed. If uncertain whether an interaction is an exploit, you must contact tournament administration before using it.

All participants, broadcasters, and administrators are expected to treat one another with mutual respect at all times.

Zero Tolerance

Poor behavior, insults, racism, sexism, or any breach of professional etiquette will not be tolerated. Exemplary sportsmanship is expected from all participants throughout the duration of the tournament.

All participants must maintain a cooperative and respectful attitude, and are required to assist in resolving any incidents or disputes they are involved in.

Strictly Prohibited

• All individuals involved in the event—including players, administrators, and anyone with the ability to influence the outcome of a game or series—are strictly prohibited from placing bets on any match in the tournament.
• Violation of this rule will result in immediate disqualification and may lead to further disciplinary action, including bans from future events.

All participating players must be members of Boit's Discord server:

Discord

https://discord.gg/UEADsH5

• Once registered, participants are expected to regularly check all official platforms associated with the tournament for general updates, match information, or direct messages from administrators.
• Administrators may also contact participants through other means if necessary to ensure smooth coordination and communication.

• During live games, players must be in the game lobby and ready to begin their match at least five minutes before the scheduled start time. Preliminary tasks such as map drafting, when possible, should be completed beforehand.
• If a player fails to show up to a confirmed or scheduled game within ten minutes, the opponent will be granted an administrative game win. An additional administrative loss will be applied for every further ten minutes of delay.

Example

If a player is 20 minutes late, they will begin the series down 0–2.

• Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the tournament administration if it is clear that the player is experiencing technical difficulties that prevent the match from starting.
• If a player is unable to play at a scheduled time, efforts may be made to accommodate their situation. However, no guarantees can be made, and failure to attend a scheduled match may result in disqualification.
• All scheduling communication for group stage matches must begin on the first day of the round. Failure to initiate scheduling communication will result in a warning. Repeated failure may lead to an admin loss.
• Up to 5 minutes is allowed between games in a series, including god drafting. Games must start promptly once this time expires.

If a participant is found to be in violation of any rule outlined in this handbook, the tournament administration reserves the right to issue one or more penalties. Penalties may include, but are not limited to:

• Verbal or written warnings
• Prize forfeitures
• Game forfeitures
• Match forfeitures
• Complete disqualification from the event

Escalation

Repeated infractions will result in escalating penalties, up to and including bans from future events.

• The tournament administration reserves the right to amend, remove, or otherwise change any rules at any time. All modifications or additions will be documented on the final page of this handbook.
• Additionally, the tournament administration reserves the right to interpret and act on situations not explicitly covered by this handbook, using their best judgment to ensure fairness and integrity.

• Seeding is based on Tournament ELO (https://aomstats.io/esports) if applicable, above 1000 ELO.
• All other players will be seeded based on their ladder rating, recorded at the time sign-ups close for each event.
• The administration reserves the right to manually seed non-ranked players who have a spectacular ladder rating or a strong record in other Age of Empires tournaments.

Rules

• The higher seeded player in a match is the host of the Map and God draft.
• Map draft first, God draft second.
• Maps cannot be repeated in a series.
• The first map to be played in a series is the admin-selected map in the draft.
• The loser of the previous game will select the next map.
• Maps may be selected from either side of the drafted map pool.
• Gods are exclusive to the player who drafted it for the duration of the series.
• Use the God picker tool to determine the chosen God selection per game.

Map Pool

• Budapest
• Mirage
• Midgard
• Ghostlake
• Gorge
• Steppe
• Elysium
• Giza
• Mount Olympus
• Blue Lagoon
• Cloud Forest

Map Draft Tool

• Bo3: https://aoe2cm.net/preset/aKoTC
• Bo5: https://aoe2cm.net/preset/PsqlS
• Bo7: https://aoe2cm.net/preset/DvhCS

God Draft Tool

• Bo3: https://aoe2cm.net/preset/viTqR
• Bo5: https://aoe2cm.net/preset/PGbzn
• Bo7: https://aoe2cm.net/preset/RmjKg

God Picker Tool

• https://aoe2cm.net/preset/kZhlK

• As an anti-cheat measure, the tournament administration may request access to the player's point of view and audio while playing.
• Players agree to participate in potential interviews prior to and during the qualification stage. These interviews may be conducted in writing, audio, or video.
• The tournament administration reserves the right to request an up-to-date, reasonably high-quality portrait image of the player to be used on posters, banners, and streams.
• During the main event, players must join the tournament-1 or tournament-2 voice channel for the duration of their set.

• In the event of a game crash or de-synchronization, the administration will assess the situation and decide whether the game should be restored or restarted.
• If a game restore or restart is required, players must exit the game without revealing the map. Any issues that cannot be resolved between the players must be immediately reported to an administrator.

Restarts

Players may request a restart if their maps are bugged or fail to generate as intended.

• The restart must be requested within the first two minutes of in-game time.
• After a restart, gods and colors must remain the same.
• The administration reserves the right to restart a game under any circumstance.

Bugged Map Conditions

A restart may be requested if any of the following occur:

• The intended number of relics or settlements fail to generate.
• Any resource nodes belonging to a player are trapped or otherwise inaccessible.
• Any player-controlled units are trapped or inaccessible.
• Any player-specific object, such as town centers, sentry towers or starting units, fail to generate in the intended amount.

Pausing

• Players may only pause the game if they or their opponent are experiencing severe issues that directly affect gameplay and their ability to continue.
• Pausing to take breaks, visit the bathroom, smoke, or for any non-technical reason is strictly forbidden.
• An administrator may order a pause at any time for any reason.
• Unless paused by the administration, players must immediately inform an administrator of any issues requiring a pause.
• The player who pauses the game must also be the one to unpause it.
• Before unpausing, the player who paused must ensure their opponent is ready to continue.

Server Rules

• Tournament administrators take no responsibility for a player's internet connection; this is the player's sole responsibility.
• Players must agree on which server to play on before hosting the lobby.
• If players cannot agree on a server, both must screenshot their lobby list and choose the server with the closest ping for both players.

Spectator Settings

• All matches must be hosted publicly.
• Spectators must be allowed.
• A minimum spectator delay of 5 minutes is required.

Lobby Settings

All parties are equally responsible for ensuring the lobby settings are correct before launching a game. Incorrect settings may result in a game restart.

Game Type	Standard
Victory Condition	Standard
Player Count	2
Map Size	Standard
Map Visibility	Standard
Starting Resources	Standard
Game Speed	Standard
Allow Titans	Yes
Bonus	No
Lock Teams	Yes
Military Autoqueue	No
Free for All	No
Villager Priority	No
Allow Cheats	No

Total Prize Pool — USD

$10,000

Prize Distribution

• 1st - $3,000
• 2nd - $2,000
• 3rd - $1,500
• 4th - $1,000
• 5th–6th - $700
• 7th–8th - $550

Rules and Conditions

• All required games must have been played within the respective timelines.
• All recorded games and drafts must have been appropriately shared.
• Payments are handled through bank transfers or PayPal.
• Participants must submit a completed invoice to the tournament administration.
• The invoice must include personal details such as the participant's full name and address.
• The invoice must be provided no later than one month after the tournament's conclusion.
• If no invoice is received by the deadline, prizes will be forfeited.
• Failure to provide sufficient information for payment processing will result in non-payment.
• The tournament administration reserves the right to cancel any pending payment if evidence of fraud or foul play is discovered.

Gameathlon: Athens (AoM) offers open streaming and free use of tournament resources under the condition that the following requirements are fully accepted and followed. Before broadcasting or using any provided content, content creators must register using the designated button below.

• The Gameathlon: Athens tournament logo must be visible at all times during broadcasts of the qualification stage.
• The stream title must include the words "Gameathlon: Athens".
• Players are permitted to stream their point of view.
• A minimum stream delay of three minutes is mandatory.
• External information that could give players an unfair advantage, such as Twitch chat, must not be visible to the player while in-game.

How to Submit Replays

• Download the .rec files from your game directory: C:/users/YourUser/Games/Age of Mythology Retold/yourSteamID/replays
• Upload the files to the dedicated Discord channel.
• Note: This method works only for Steam users.
• Winners are required to submit all replays from the qualifier through to the Grand Final of the playoffs.

Replay Naming Format

• Event_Phase_Round_Player1_vs_Player2_GameNumber
• Qual1_Ro4_Player1_vs_Player2_G1
• MainEvent_Ro16_Player1_vs_Player2_G2

Mandatory

Submitting replays is mandatory. Failure to submit replays may result in penalties. Ensure your game settings are configured to save all replays to avoid losing any.

The changelog tracks updates and revisions made to the qualifier handbook. We encourage all participants to review this section regularly to stay informed about any changes to rules, procedures, or other important details that may affect their tournament experience.

Version 1.0.0

Initial release of the Gameathlon: Athens (AoM) qualifier handbook.

Version 1.1.0

Updated formatting, expanded rules for event formats and God and Map rules - fophuxake