- The first Halo Infinite tournament is planned to launch on December 17 and run through December 19, 2021
- With a prize pool of $250,000, the tournament will take place at Raleigh Convention Center in North Carolina, USA
- To ensure the safety of visitors, players and staff, organizers will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test
Halo Infinite's first tournament will start on December 17 and will feature a prize pool of $250,000. The tournament will take place at Raleigh Convention Center in North Carolina under strict health and safety guidelines due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
HCS Kickoff Major Launches This December
In light of the upcoming release of Halo Infinite, the Halo Championship Series (HCS) announced details regarding the first tournament. The HCS Kickoff Major tournament will be taking place in Raleigh, North Carolina, and will be launching on December 17. The starting prize pool of the tournament is $250,000.
As usual, the tournament is going to feature “an open bracket, seating for spectators, as well as full main stage and featured stations for pool play and the championship bracket,” explained the HCS. In light of the ongoing pandemic, the Series announced that this year's format will be different in order to ensure the health and safety of all fans, staff, and players.
HCS explained that the tournament will feature a modified format. Under that format, the Championship Bracket is expanded from 24 teams to 32 teams. Overall, accommodation and travel stipends will be provided for 16 qualified teams that are from Europe, North America, Latin America, New Zealand, and Australia.
HCS Kickoff Major Raleigh 2021 When and Where
- Date: December 17 through December 19
- Location: Raleigh Convention Center, Hall B, 500 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Prize pool: starting from $250,000
- Tickets: VIP 3-day tickets and general admission 3-day tickets for sale from September 29
Health and Safety Measures Will Be Enforced during the Tournament
To ensure the safety of fans, visitors and staff, HCS unveiled that it has been working closely with Microsoft Security and Events teams, Esports Engine, the venue's management and the local government in Raleigh. With that in mind, the HCS said that it would also need the cooperation and help of the whole Halo community.
Each day of the event, both staff and attendees must attest to their health status. Proof of vaccination as well as a photo ID for each entry will be mandatory. On the other hand, people who are not vaccinated may enter by providing proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken at least in the last 72 hours and a photo ID.
Wearing masks will be mandatory to enter the venue. Additionally, the HCS explained that as usual, no large backpacks or shoulder bags will be allowed inside the venue. The attendees will also go through security detectors and their bags will be checked by security.
