SMC 2022 FAQ

This is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about SMC 2022

• Why are you announcing this now when Summer Cup is almost over, and people who wanted to qualify can't?
  • No, this is announcing a tournament that will run mid-2022.
• Why are you announcing this a full year in advance?
  • Because I want to make sure everyone who wants to qualify has every chance to, and everyone is aware it is happening before the qualifying season starts. There will be plenty of mid-season hype check-ins so I hope people won't forget about it!
• Why do events like SCL and Lotus Cup not count towards SMC entry?
  • These events are wonderful and I look forward to them continuing alongside the SMC system. They do not count for SMC because SMC's goal is to be driven strictly by results within a year - whereas these competitions seed players based on their life-to-date performance, making it hard for players to demonstrate their absolute skill on a short time basis. Both styles of competition have their place.
• Hang on, if that's true, why do the previous year's top two get a free pass (in fact, you pay them to play)?
  • You caught me! The previous finalists are invited back to give the SMC Champion title a sense of continuity, and to encourage situations where the title is defended or taken. Appearance incentives for returning champions are common in championship series and the inspiration here specifically is the FIDE world chess championship.
• Are you taking donations for the prize pool, like the DOTA2 The International?
  • No, the prize pool for SMC 2022 is fixed and fully funded. I would encourage people who would have considered donating to the prize pool to donate to Beyond the Spynary 2022 instead.
• What are the inspirations for SMC?
  • SMC is inspired by a combination of Gabrio's supervenue tournament, the CSGO major series, and the FIDE world chess championship.
• Will SMC distort the competitive landscape and lead to a decrease in non-qualifying tournaments like hex cup, twin league, lotus cup, SCL, etc.?
  • I really hope not! Tournaments like those have been an absolute joy. I will say that I will be pretty picky about tournaments selected as Premier events, so organizers I hope don't feel pressure to try to shoehorn their event into qualifying for SMC.
• Will you follow these rules without exception or change?
  • Not if they aren't working. I think these are a reasonable set of rules to start with but ultimately I will adjust them as needed to make SMC run smoothly and in line with its goals.
• I have a deep and meaningful concern about this plan.
  • That's not a question! However, I encourage you to reach out to me and let me know. By the time you read this the structure has gotten feedback from quite a few folks in the community, from competitive behemoths to newer players, as well as several tournament organizers, but I am absolutely open to hearing more.
• Can I help?
  • YES. Drop Corvusmellori a DM and let me know you're interested!