2026 Organized Play Cycle Questions and Answers

We received a ton of great questions in the community forum—thank you to everyone who submitted one. Your feedback helps shape the future of Organized Play, and we appreciate the passion and honesty you bring to the game. Let’s dive into the topics you asked about most. 

Why are there no Regionals outside the US next year?

Over the past year we learned a lot about what works—and what doesn’t work—for Regionals around the world. Our international communities are extremely important to us, however, some events struggled with travel costs, timing, and local infrastructure in ways that prevent them from reaching the level of experience that players deserve.

Rather than repeating a structure that wasn’t serving those communities well, we’re taking 2026 to regroup and rebuild support for international play in a way that is sustainable, consistent, and rewarding. 

To do this, we’ve significantly expanded our Local Championship program outside the United States. Across each season, up to 20 LC events will take place internationally at top UniVersus stores, each offering:

• Qualifications towards Worlds
• Travel vouchers to attend Regionals in the US
• Round 1 byes
• Opportunities for stores to grow their playerbase with meaningful support
  

This is a net increase in resources for our international communities, with more paths to premier play than before. Our long-term goal is to return Regionals to international markets as communities grow and as we build a foundation for those events to thrive—not just exist. 

If you are a store interested in hosting a Local Championship, contact our LGS team. 

What is to come of the remaining wave of LCs for 2025 season 4? Originally they were to count for 2026, but since we are moving away from the points system for next year’s OP cycle, are season 4 2025 LCs going to be canceled or will we be able to apply those points to the 2025 OP cycle?

This is an important and complex question, and we want to give it proper attention. Rather than giving a partial answer here, we’re preparing a full article that breaks down how Season 4 LCs fit into the updated OP structure. Expect that article the week after PAX Unplugged once our team returns and can finalize the details. 

What now happens to international judges? Since they aren’t required for local championships and there’s no larger events for them to judge at.

Local Championships are still considered Level 2 events under our floor rules, and judges are strongly encouraged even when not strictly required. We are updating the judge policy for 2026 after the current LC window closes, and part of that update includes ways for international judges to remain active and supported within their regions. We’ll share more details in the upcoming OP documentation. 

Is there a current plan on how the LCs will be split between regions or will it truly be a sort of “first come, first serve”?

There will be no region-based preference or restrictions. LC selection is based on the number of qualified stores in each area, ensuring access is based on store readiness and ability to support the community—not geography or priority. 

Regional Promos and other exclusive products were extremely hard to come by outside of the USA. Now that non-USA countries won’t get Regionals, will there be any way for us to get access to that kind of product?

Yes. One of the reasons we continue to grow and refine the Rewards Store is specifically to help close this gap. When appropriate, promos and exclusives tied to major events will be made available through the Rewards Store so international players can access them without needing to attend US events. 

Just to get the question out there since OP has changed again, will stores have the option to make their store championships a webcam one to attract more players if their area doesn’t have a big playerbase?

Local Championships should remain in-person to preserve competitive integrity and ensure a consistent experience across all participating stores. We are, however, building new onboarding tools and community programs to help smaller regions grow their playerbase leading up to their LC. 

With there only being the four Regionals next year, is the plan for UVSG to spearhead the planning and organization, with TOs just running the events themselves? Or will outside TOs still be doing most of the venue, side event, judge, etc. planning?

Regionals continue to be a partnership between UVS Games and our TO partners. We work together on venue selection, scheduling, prizing, and event structure, while TOs handle on-the-ground operations like judges and side events. This collaboration remains unchanged in 2026.

Does this mean UVSGames will officially support retro? Maybe with a regional big prize side event?

Yes! Every Regional next year will feature a dedicated specialty Retro side event with its own unique prizing. We’re excited to give Retro a consistent home at large events.

Have you given any thought to launching a separate Teams circuit for the year? Since international players currently have no major events planned and the absence of these will be a massive detriment to sustaining the game in those regions, could these be the alternative for them (with a return to the “make your team asset” prizing)?

We haven’t planned a dedicated Teams circuit for 2026, but we are absolutely open to supporting stores and communities who want to run Team format events locally. If your LGS is interested, they can reach out to lgs@uvsgames.com for guidance on running alternative formats that help their community grow.

Guidance for Running New Player Events? Now that Scrambles, the introductory tournament format, is not part of Organized Play will there be any guidelines on running events that are focused more on growing the community?

Scrambles didn’t deliver on our goals for new player onboarding, so we’re replacing it with a refreshed and more robust teaching-focused program. Our OP, Game Design, and LGS teams are developing new materials and event support designed specifically around helping stores teach the game effectively. More information is on the way. 

With there being no regionals outside the continental US what purpose do the Major R1 byes serve for us? Can they be used at worlds?

Major Round 1 Byes can be used at any Regional event or at Day 1 of the UCS. 

Are the LC prizing card wise going to be more akin to the current regionals which really just means the local store championship is now becoming a pseudo regional and the regionals are going to be these massive things with better prize support?

Local Championships are becoming more meaningful in 2026, and their structure may feel closer to 2025 Regionals. Meanwhile, Regionals themselves are transforming into larger signature events with expanded activities, improved prizing, and celebrate the community. Our goal is to create a clear, exciting progression from local play -> LC -> Regionals -> Worlds.

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We know changes to OP can feel disruptive, but our focus is on building a stronger, more rewarding system across the entire year. We’re confident that by the end of 2026, players will feel the impact of these improvements and experience one of the strongest Organized Play years UniVersus has had. 

Thank you again to everyone who submitted questions. Your feedback helps us build a better, more connected global community. And while this won’t be a Regional, we’re excited to share that your feedback inspired us to host a big EU celebration—where players can hang out, talk with UVS staff, enjoy panels, play some games, and walk away with awesome prizes. Think of it as a community-first event built just for you. Stay tuned for details

Here’s to an amazing 2026!