How to Check In for an Esports Tournament
To check in for an esports tournament, open the event page during the check-in window (it opens a set time before the start) and press Check in as your team's captain. Teams that have not checked in when the window closes are removed from the bracket. On Nameless Arena you get a notification when check-in opens, and checking in to the event also checks you in to your first matches.
What check-in is for
Check-in confirms your team is actually there before the bracket is drawn. Without it, organizers end up with empty slots and walkovers. Most events with more than a few teams use it.
When the window opens and closes
The organizer chooses how many minutes before the start check-in opens. On Nameless Arena it is 60 minutes unless the organizer changes it, and the event templates use 15 minutes. The window stays open until 15 minutes after the scheduled start, as a grace period. Check the event page for the exact time.
You will get a reminder when check-in opens (in the app, by email, on Discord or by push notification, depending on your settings) and another when it is about to close.
How to check in
Captains check in for the whole team.
- Sign in and open the event page
- Make sure your roster is complete if the event requires a full roster
- Press Check in while the window is open
- Stay on the page or in your Discord: your first match can start right after the bracket is drawn
Match check-in and the ready timer
Each match can also have a ready timer, 10 minutes by default. When your match is called, both teams mark themselves ready in the match room. If only one team is ready when the timer runs out, the absent team forfeits that match and the other team moves on. If neither team shows, the organizer decides.
If you miss check-in
Teams that have not checked in when the window closes are dropped automatically and the bracket is drawn without them. If you are running late, message the organizer before the window closes. Once the bracket is drawn, the decision is theirs.
Frequently asked questions
- Who checks in, the captain or every player?
- The captain checks in for the team. Some events also ask for a full roster before check-in, so make sure your starters are on the team first.
- How early does check-in open?
- It depends on the event. On Nameless Arena the default is 60 minutes before the start and many events use 15 minutes. The event page shows the exact window.
- What happens if the other team does not show up?
- If your team is ready and the other team is not when the match ready timer ends, they forfeit and you advance automatically.
- Can I check in late?
- Check-in stays open until 15 minutes after the scheduled start. After that, teams that have not checked in are removed, so contact the organizer before the window closes if you are running late.