DCS - Domino Challenge Series
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Elite Six

The weekly showdown where the top 6 players in each city battle for that week's prize pool. Make the cut, take the cash.

The Elite Six is where DCS money changes hands. Every week, the six highest-ranked players in each Sister City compete for the prize pool. This is the sharp end of DCS competition.

What Is the Elite Six?

The Concept

Throughout the week, players compete to earn ranking points. By Saturday deadline, the top 6 ranked players in each city qualify for the Elite Six showdown. On Sunday, they play off for prize money.

Why It Matters

  • Real money on the line every week
  • Clear qualification path — top 6, no exceptions
  • Consistent opportunity — 52 chances per year
  • City prestige — Elite Six players represent their city's best

How to Make the Elite Six

Step 1: Compete During the Week

Monday through Saturday, play matches to earn ranking points:

  • More wins = higher ranking
  • Quality of opponents matters (beat better players, gain more points)
  • Consistency counts (don't wait until Friday to start)

Step 2: Track Your Position

Watch the weekly leaderboard:

  • Know who's above you
  • Know who's climbing
  • Understand the points gap to 6th place
  • Plan your final push if needed

Step 3: Hold Your Position

Saturday deadline is final:

  • Stop playing when safely in top 6 (protecting position)
  • Or push hard if you're on the bubble
  • Know the cutoff time precisely

Step 4: Compete on Sunday

If you make the cut:

  • Show up for the Elite Six showdown
  • Play the scheduled matches
  • Finish as high as possible
  • Collect your prize

Prize Distribution

Weekly Pools by Membership Tier

PositionBronze ($500)Silver ($1,000)Gold ($2,000)
1st$200$400$800
2nd$125$250$500
3rd$75$150$300
4th$50$100$200
5th$30$60$120
6th$20$40$80

Everyone in the Elite Six gets paid. Even 6th place earns something.

How Prizes Are Distributed

  • Prizes deposited to your DCS account Sunday night
  • Available for withdrawal after $50 minimum balance
  • Multiple payment methods supported
  • Winnings tracked for tax purposes

The Showdown Format

Sunday Structure

Elite Six matches follow a structured format:

  1. Bracket announcement — Matchups revealed
  2. Elimination rounds — Players compete in scheduled matches
  3. Finals — Top players battle for first place
  4. Results posted — Final standings confirmed
  5. Prizes distributed — Money hits accounts

Match Rules

  • Standard DCS Cut-Throat rules apply
  • Time limits enforced
  • Best-of-3 matches (or tournament-specified format)
  • Results verified by DCS systems

Tiebreakers

If positions are tied after the showdown:

  • Head-to-head record in the showdown
  • Point differential
  • Season ranking
  • Coin flip (rarely needed)

Strategies for Elite Six Success

Weekly Qualification

Start Strong Don't wait until Friday. Early wins build cushion and reduce stress.

Know the Competition Track who's active, who's climbing, who's a threat. The leaderboard tells a story.

Calculate Your Position Understand how many points you need to be safe. Math matters.

Manage Your Games Sometimes one more win helps. Sometimes it risks a loss that drops you out.

Sunday Performance

Prepare Mentally Elite Six is pressure time. The money is real. The stakes are higher.

Study Your Opponents You know who made the Elite Six. Review their play style before Sunday.

Manage Your Clock Time limits are strict. Don't get caught rushing.

Play Your Game Don't let the stakes change what works. Trust your skills.

Elite Six Records

City Records Tracked

  • Most Elite Six appearances
  • Most Elite Six wins
  • Consecutive Elite Six qualifications
  • Highest single-week point total

Player Recognition

Consistent Elite Six performers earn:

  • City recognition and badges
  • Consideration for national events
  • Community respect
  • Potential Dominologist pathway

The Elite Six Lifestyle

What It Takes

Making Elite Six consistently requires:

  • Skill — You have to be good at Cut-Throat
  • Consistency — Playing every week, not just sometimes
  • Strategy — Managing your matches and timing
  • Mental game — Performing under pressure

The Reality

Most players don't make Elite Six every week. But:

  • Making it occasionally is achievable for active players
  • Making it consistently separates serious competitors
  • Making it AND winning regularly defines elite players

Building Toward It

New players shouldn't expect immediate Elite Six success:

  1. Month 1-3: Learn the competition, build ranking
  2. Month 4-6: Start challenging for Elite Six spots
  3. Month 6+: Consistent Elite Six appearances possible

Patience and persistence win.

Common Questions

What if I qualify but can't play Sunday?

  • You forfeit your Elite Six spot for that week
  • You still keep ranking points earned
  • 7th place player does NOT move up
  • Plan your Sundays accordingly

Can I qualify in multiple cities?

  • Only one city per week for Elite Six
  • Your primary city takes priority
  • Cross-city play has specific rules

What if there's a technical issue?

  • DCS investigates technical problems
  • Matches may be rescheduled if issues verified
  • Player-side issues are player responsibility

Next Steps