In Brief:
- The Wildcard $5,000 Preseason Open kicks off today, challenging players to post their highest single-game score for a share of the prize.
- Eligibility requires participants to be over 18 and to have unlocked at least 250 Summons, with alternative entry options available.
- A total of $5,000 will be distributed among the top 64 players, with the top earners receiving up to $500 each.
Today unveils the commencement of the eagerly awaited Wildcard $5,000 Preseason Open, a special event in the Wildcard gaming universe that features a novel competitive format centered around a single-day tournament. Running from 9 AM to midnight ET, players are invited to compete by achieving the highest possible score in a single game, with hopes to claim a portion of the $5,000 prize pool.
Unique Tournament Format
Unlike typical tournaments, the Wildcard Preseason Open does not merely count wins and losses. Instead, it utilizes a performance-based scoring system where each match’s outcome is quantified based on in-game metrics such as Champion KOs, capturing Wildcards, and efficient mana usage. Participants’ scores are indexed on a leaderboard, with their highest single-game score dictating their ranking. This methodology prioritizes game quality over quantity, offering players the opportunity for significant recognition from just one outstanding performance.
Participation Requirements
The competition is open to any player above the age of 18 who has unlocked at least 250 Summons. This criterion ensures all participants have sufficient strategic elements at their disposal. For those needing more Summons, the Season 0 Summon Bundle can be purchased for $24.99, providing instant access to 269 Summons and meeting the tournament’s eligibility requirements. Additionally, there’s an opportunity to gain access to all Season 0 Summons through a giveaway on Wildcard’s X account.
Distribution of Prizes
The allocated $5,000 prize will be shared between the top 64 participants. The highest-ranking players, specifically the first and second-place finishers, will each receive $500. The prize decreases slightly with the ranking, with third and fourth place earning $400 each, and those placed between 33rd to 64th getting $25. Once the results are officially verified at the end of the month, winners can claim their prizes through their Tournament Profile after undergoing an identity verification process through Stripe and linking a Thousands account.
Future Tournament Plans and Game Insights
Starting January 2026, Wildcard plans to enhance its tournament offerings by implementing a 3-part structure, which includes daily and weekly tournaments as well as exclusive competitions curated for creators. The daily challenges will focus on players’ best score of the day, whereas the weekly tournaments will compile the top five scores from the week, with scores obtained during weekends benefiting from a multiplier effect.
Wildcard itself is a 2v2 third-person arena battler that blends real-time combat with strategic deck building. Players select from a variety of Champions and create decks from their Summons, necessitating adept resource management and quick strategic thinking. This game, which recently transitioned into Early Access after a demo phase, is known for its engaging mix of brawler action and tactical gameplay.