The North American Dota Challengers League (NADCL) Season 9 Players Combine, held from July 7th to July 9th, 2025, is the gateway to North America’s premier semi-pro Dota 2 tournament. This free-to-enter event allows aspiring players to showcase their skills, compete in a structured environment, and earn eligibility for the draft into the NADCL Season 9 Main Event. The Players Combine emphasizes competitive integrity, community engagement, and high-quality production, with player cards and promotional materials enhancing the experience. Join the NADCL Discord community to connect with fellow players and stay updated.

Rules and Requirements

Team Composition:

• No Restrictions

Participation Requirements

To participate in the Players Combine, players must:

• Complete Registration: Submit the registration form, including a portrait photo that meets Dota 2 portrait guidelines. Players may opt out of the photo requirement for a $10 fee to cover administrative and promotional costs.
• Join Discord: Register on the NADCL Discord server at discord.gg/ZFJSngw6ZC and use a microphone during all matches for effective communication (mandatory for participation).
• Use Main Account: Compete using your primary Dota 2 account. Smurf accounts are strictly prohibited to ensure fair play.

Draft Eligibility

To qualify for the draft into the NADCL Season 9 Main Event, players must:

• Compete in Combine: Participate in at least 3 In-House League (IHL) tournaments or complete a total of 5 matches during the Players Combine (July 7th–9th, 2025). Alternatively, players may pay a $50 opt-out fee to bypass this requirement.
• Provide Webcam: Have a working webcam available for gameplay transparency during the Main Event, required for all drafted players.

Opt-Out Options

Players can bypass certain requirements by paying fees that support tournament operations and production quality:

• Portrait Photo Opt-Out Fee: $10 to opt out of submitting a portrait photo. This fee offsets costs for player cards and marketing materials. Players who opt out will not have their image used in tournament promotions.
• Players Combine Opt-Out Fee: $50 to bypass the 3 IHL tournaments or 5-match requirement. Players who pay this fee are draft-eligible but cannot serve as stand-ins for the Main Event.
• Financial Hardship: Contact admins on the NADCL Discord to inquire about exemption options for financial hardship.

How to Participate

1. Complete the registration form, including a portrait photo (unless opting for the $10 waiver).
2. Join the NADCL Discord server at discord.gg/ZFJSngw6ZC and enable notifications for match schedules and updates.
3. Compete in the Players Combine from July 7th–9th, 2025, using a microphone, to achieve draft eligibility (3 IHL tournaments or 5 matches) unless opting for the $50 waiver.
4. If drafted, provide a working webcam for Main Event matches.

Additional Notes

• Stand-Ins: Undrafted players who meet Combine participation requirements (3 IHL tournaments or 5 matches) may serve as stand-ins for the Main Event, subject to admin approval. Players who paid the $50 Combine opt-out fee are ineligible to be stand-ins.
• Tax Information: Prizes ≥$600 (e.g., Main Event winnings) require a Form W-9 (U.S. residents) or Form W-8BEN (international players) to avoid 24% or 30% tax withholding, respectively. Winners will receive a Form 1099-MISC for prizes ≥$600. Prizes must be reported as income; Minnesota tax (5.35%–9.85%) may apply.
• Code of Conduct: Players must adhere to NADCL’s fair play and respectful behavior rules. Violations may lead to disqualification. Full details are available at nadcl.us.

Join the NADCL Season 9 Players Combine to compete, connect, and take your first step toward Dota 2 greatness!