We are excited to announce The Panda Cup, featuring Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Melee, the first ever officially licensed championship circuit in North America. The circuit will kick-off in late June, culminating in December 2022 and will offer a $100,000 prize pool.
The Panda Cup is open to eligible players who believe they have what it takes to go head-to-head against the best competition in either Super Smash Bros. Ultimate™ for the Nintendo Switch system or Super Smash Bros. Melee™* for the Nintendo GameCube system.
With four ways to qualify for the Panda Cup Finale, the circuit aims to promote inclusivity and accessibility for all competitors across North America:
- 8 licensed stops at community-driven Super Smash. Bros. tournaments in the USA, Canada and Mexico
- 8 online regional championships,
- A panel comprised of community experts to identify those with impressive performance and potential,
- Last Chance Qualifier tournament
The Panda Cup’s first stop will be CEO Daytona, taking place June 24-26. Each licensed community stop will award the top competitors auto-qualifier spots in the Panda Cup Finale. Additional participating events include: Get on My Level, Lost Tech City, TBH 10 and Dreamhack Atlanta. Visit the website for the full Panda Cup schedule.
From July through October, Panda will hold 40 online qualifying events for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate™, wherein each of the 8 regions will crown a champion who will represent them at the Panda Cup Finale.
All 32 Panda Cup finalists will earn complimentary travel and housing to compete in the Panda Cup Finale in Los Angeles, California.
The Panda Cup Finale, December 16-18, the 32 finalists for each game title will compete for the $100,000 prize pool and the chance to have their name etched in history.
Additional details about the Panda Cup featuring Super Smash Bros. North America circuit, including official rules, event dates and prizing, are available at pandacup.com.
* Smash Bros. Melee™ competitions are offline only.
Nintendo is not a sponsor, co-sponsor or administrator of this tournament.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate™ ESRB Rating: EVERYONE 10+ with Cartoon Violence, Suggestive Themes and Comic Mischief.
Super Smash Bros. Melee™ ESRB Rating: TEEN with Comic Mischief and Mild Violence.