YCS Columbus, OH 2026 – Main Event Information
Advanced Main Event Registration Information
Genesys Main Event Registration Information
Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON (NEURON) is required for onsite check in for both Main Events, and for Deck List submission for the Genesys Main Event.
If you have not already installed NEURON, please make sure you have linked your CARD GAME ID to your KONAMI ID so NEURON will display the correct CARD GAME ID.
Step by step guides on linking your CARD GAME ID to your KONAMI ID can be found on our website – Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON – Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME
There are other NEURON guides on the site, including one on how to update the CARD GAME ID that is linked to your KONAMI ID if you had previously downloaded NEURON and the incorrect CARD GAME ID is displayed in NEURON.
The NEURON app is available for download on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, see the Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON website for download links.
https://www.konami.com/yugioh/neuron/en
Please verify the CARD GAME ID displayed on your NEURON app is correct prior to submitting your Deck List for the Genesys Main event and/or checking in on site for either Main Event.
Advanced Main Event Registration Information
| Day | START TIME (Times are Eastern Daylight Time) | END TIME | |
| Online Registration Opens | Friday, May 1st, 2025 | 12:00 PM (EDT) | – |
| Online Registration Closes | Friday, May 22, 2026 | – | 12:00 PM (EST) |
| Deck Lists are Due | Friday, May 22, 2026 | – | 2:00 PM (EST) |
| Mandatory On-site Check In | Friday, May 22, 2026 | 12:00 PM (EDT) | 6:00 PM (EST) |
| On-site Registration (if seats are available) | Friday, May 22, 2026 | 3:00 PM (EDT) | 7:00 PM (EST) |
*** Schedules are subject to change and may be updated before the event begins. ***
*** Online preregistration is open till the end time and date listed above or until available seats sell out, whichever comes first. ***
*** Deck Lists MUST be submitted by the Deck List due date via the website where you registered. ***
- Duelists will need to register online for this Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series event.
- Duelists can use the link above to get to the online registration site. There you will log in or register an account if you do not already have one. Once logged in, click on Events and select YCS Columbus by clicking on Details. Follow the instructions from there to confirm your seat at the YCS.
- Duelists will pay $25.00 USD to receive five (5) booster packs and registration in the event. This is the cost of five (5) booster packs in the local currency, including any taxes and fees.
- Deck Lists for the Advanced Main Event are not due when you register for the YCS, but they must be created on your account and attached to your YCS Columbus Entry by 2:00 PM EST Friday May 22, 2026
Submit Your Deck List: https://registration.yugioh-card.com/Events/MyEvents.aspx
- Duelists who register online MUST arrive on site Friday May 22, 2026, between 12:00 PM EST and 6:00 PM EST and check in at the event or they forfeit their seat at the YCS.
- If you discover you cannot arrive by 6:00 PM EST on May 22, 2026 to check in, you must email Yu-Gi-Oh! registration staff at us-ygo-registration@kde-us.com no later than 11:00 AM EST on Friday, May 22 to make alternative check-in arrangements. If travel plans change after 11:00 AM EST on Friday, May 22, such as a flight is delayed, you can email registration staff, but we cannot guarantee you will be able to be accommodated.
- Any Duelist that does not attend a YCS they registered for and does not reach out to the registration website team beforehand will be blocked from registering online for future YCS events.
- For Public Events registration information, please see the Public Events FAQ.
Q: When can I register for YCS Columbus 2026?
A: For this YCS, Duelists will need to register online to secure a seat to compete at the YCS Columbus 2026.
- Duelists can register online here:
- https://registration.yugioh-card.com/
- Registration will remain open until either all available seats in the YCS are sold out or until Friday, May 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM EDT (whichever comes first).
- Space is limited.
- Duelists who successfully register must still arrive at the YCS Columbus and check in on Friday, May 22, 2026 between 12:00 PM EDT and 6:00 PM EDT to confirm their seat in the Tournament or their seat will be forfeited, and their entry will be refunded after the YCS.
- If you are not able to check in on Friday May 22 prior to 6:00 PM EDT due to travel or other issues, you will need to contact Yu-Gi-Oh! Registration staff at us-ygo-registration@kde-us.com no later than 11:00 AM EDT on Friday May 22 to make alternative check-in arrangements.
- Any Duelist that does not attend a YCS they registered for and does not reach out to the registration website team beforehand will be blocked from registering online for future YCS events.
We urge you to register online for the event due to seating capacity.
Q: How do I turn in my Deck List for the YCS?
A: Please create your Deck List at https://registration.yugioh-card.com/Decks/MyDeckLists.aspx. Once you have created your Deck List, you can submit it at https://registration.yugioh-card.com/Events/MyEvents.aspx. Simply find the Submit Deck List link for the YCS event to find the page where you can select the name of the Deck List you have created for the event. We recommend giving each Deck List you create a unique name so that you don’t submit the incorrect Deck List.
Once a Deck List has been submitted, you can update and resubmit it up until the Deck List deadline of 2:00 PM EDT Friday, May 22, 2026.
Q: When do I turn in my Deck List for the YCS?
A: Deck Lists are due online by 2:00 PM EDT Friday, May 22, 2026.
- Duelists who do not turn in their Deck Lists by 2:00 PM EDT on Friday, May 22, 2026, will automatically forfeit their seat and their entry will be refunded after the YCS.
- Any Duelist that does not attend a YCS they registered for and does not reach out to the registration website team beforehand will be blocked from registering online for future YCS/WCQ events.
- Deck Lists must be submitted through the online system. Physical copies of a Deck list will not be accepted onsite for the YCS.
Once a Deck List has been submitted, you can update and resubmit it up until the Deck List deadline of 2:00 PM EDT Friday, May 22, 2026.
Q: How do I check in at the YCS?
A: Registered Duelists just need to arrive onsite at the venue between 12:00 PM EDT and 6:00 PM EDT on Friday, May 22and follow the signs to check in and confirm your seat in the YCS. Duelists will need to show their CARD GAME ID on their NEURON app to check in. At this time Duelists will receive their booster packs once they are confirmed at check in. If you are not able to check in on Friday, May 22, 2026 prior to 6:00 PM EDT due to travel or other issues, you will need to contact Yu-Gi-Oh! registration staff at us-ygo-registration@kde-us.com no later than 11:00 AM EDT on Friday May 22to make alternative check-in arrangements.
Q: If online registration is sold out, is there anything I can do to participate at the YCS Columbus 2026?
A: Duelists who register have two deadlines to meet or their seats are forfeited. Any seats that become available will only be open to Duelists on site at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on Friday, May 22, 2026. There is NO GUARANTEE any seats will become available if online registration sells out, so if you are not local to, or planning to be in Columbus, OH, on the weekend of the YCS, we do not recommend you arrange travel and hotel without a confirmed seat to compete in the YCS. Seating will be limited, and Public Events alone are no reason to travel long distances. There will be more YCS, so please keep that in mind if you are unable to register for this event.
Advanced Main Event Schedule
Advanced Main Event Schedule
| DAY | START TIME (Times are Eastern Daylight Time) | END TIME | |
| Mandatory On-site Check In | Friday, May 22, 2026 | 12:00 PM (EDT) | 6:00 PM (EDT) |
| On-site Registration (if seats are available) | Friday, May 22, 2026 | 3:00 PM (EDT) | 7:00 PM (EDT) |
| YCS Columbus 2026 Day 1 | Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 10:00 AM (EDT) | – |
| YCS Columbus 2026 Day 2 | Sunday, May 24, 2026 | 9:00 AM (EDT) | – |
*** Schedules are subject to change and may be updated before the event begins. ***
Saturday
| 8:00 AM | Exhibit Hall opens |
| 10:00 AM | Round 1 of Day 1 for the Advanced Main Event begins |
| 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Concessions available |
| 7:00 PM – 11:59 PM* | After Standings are finalized at the conclusion of Day 1 Rounds, Exhibit Hall is closed |
Sunday
| 8:45 AM | Exhibit Hall opens |
| 9:00 AM | First Round of Day 2 of the Advanced Main Event begins |
| 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Concessions available |
| 12:00 PM* – 2:00 PM* | Final Standings after Final Round of Day 2 will be posted |
| 2:00 PM* – 7:00 PM* | Top Cut Single Elimination Rounds |
| 7:00 PM* | After the conclusion of the tournament, Exhibit Hall is closed |
*Please note that these times are subject to change as a varity of factors can affect the start and end times of the above schedule
Advanced Main Event Prizing
| Place | Prizes |
| 1st | Ultra Rare YCS Prize Card – Anotherverse Stratios YCS Trophy YCS Branded Premium Messenger Bag ROG Xbox Ally 16 GB RAM 512GB SSD Steam Download code for Yu-Gi-Oh! EARLY DAYS COLLECTION A GIANT CARD!! of the winner’s choice** which will be awarded to the winner at the next WCQ Invite to and VIP status at the next WCQ tournament YCS Metal Dice Set YCS Sleeves YCS Game Mat |
| 2nd | Super Rare YCS Prize Card – Anotherverse Stratios YCS Branded Premium Messenger Bag ROG Xbox Ally 16 GB RAM 512GB SSD Steam Download code for Yu-Gi-Oh! EARLY DAYS COLLECTION Invite to the next WCQ tournament YCS Metal Dice Set YCS Sleeves YCS Game Mat |
| 3rd – 4th | Super Rare YCS Prize Card – Anotherverse Stratios ROG Xbox Ally 1080p 512GB SSD Steam Download code for Yu-Gi-Oh! EARLY DAYS COLLECTION Invite to the next WCQ tournament YCS Metal Dice Set YCS Sleeves YCS Game Mat |
| 5th-8th | ROG Xbox Ally 16 GB RAM 512GB SSD Steam Download code for Yu-Gi-Oh! EARLY DAYS COLLECTION Invite to the next WCQ tournament YCS Metal Dice Set YCS Sleeves YCS Game Mat |
| 9th – 16th | 24 booster packs of the current booster release Invite to the next WCQ tournament YCS Sleeves YCS Game Mat |
| Top 16 | Top 16 Ultra Rare YCS Prize Card: Effect Veiler |
| Top 32 | Top 32 Super Rare YCS Prize Card: Card Trooper |
| Top 64/128/256** | YCS Prize Card Pack |
*In addition to the other prizes for 1st place, the winner will receive complimentary travel and accommodation for the next WCQ in their territory (North and Latin America only).
** Not all Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards can be made into Giant Cards; see https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/faq/event_prizing/ for details.
*** The YCS Prize Card Pack will be available starting at the 1st Round of Swiss on Day 2 based on standings announced at the end of Day 1. Duelists may pick up their packs at the main stage from the start of the 1st Round of Swiss on Day 2 up until the start of Top 8.
The Ultra Rare YCS Prize Card: Effect Veiler and Super Rare YCS Prize Card: Card Trooper will be awarded after Final Swiss Standings are determined, prior to the Top 8 cut. Duelists must still be enrolled in the tournament at the end of the final Round of Swiss and ranked in the Top 16 or Top 32 respectively to receive these Prize Cards.
| Number of Participants | YCS Prize Card Pack |
| Under 513 | Top 64 |
| 513 – 1024 Duelists | Top 128 |
| 1025 or more Duelists | Top 256 |
YCS Trophy
YCS Prize Card
Yu Gi Oh! Championship Series Metal Dice
(Please note that color may differ per event)
YCS Prize Card: Effect Veiler
Super Rare YCS Prize Card: Card Trooper
YCS Prize Card
(Day 2 teams depending on attendance will receive a Prize Card from a pool of 10 cards)
YCS Sleeves
YCS Game Mat
Genesys Main Event Registration Information
REGISTRATION SCHEDULE (Genesys Main Event)
| Day | START TIME (Times are Eastern Daylight Time) | END TIME | |
| Online Registration Opens | Friday, May 1st, 2025 | 12:00 PM (EDT) | – |
| Online Registration Closes | Friday, May 22, 2026 | – | 12:00 PM (EDT) |
| Deck Lists are Due | Friday, May 22, 2026 | – | 2:00 PM (EDT) |
| Mandatory On-site Check In | Friday, May 22, 2026 | 12:00 PM (EDT) | 6:00 PM (EDT) |
| On-site Registration (if seats are available) | Friday, May 22, 2026 | 3:00 PM (EDT) | 7:00 PM (EDT) |
Genesys rules are simple:
- No Link Monsters or Pendulum Monsters are allowed. All other cards are allowed. The original field layout is used, with no Extra Monster Zones nor Pendulum Zones.
- The standard Forbidden & Limited Cards list is not used. All those cards can be used, except Link Monsters and Pendulum Monsters. Usual limit of 3 copies max of any card still applies.
- Deck construction uses a point system. Some cards are assigned a point value; most cards cost zero points. The total point cost of cards in your Main Deck, Extra Deck, and Side Deck (combined) cannot exceed the point cap for that event.
For YCS Columbus, the Genesys Main Event Tournament will use the 100 Points cap for Deck-building. Click the link below for the current Genesys Points list.
Yu-Gi-Oh! GENESYS – Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME
- Duelists will need to register online for this Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series event.
- Duelists can use the link above to get to the online registration site. There you will log in or register an account if you do not already have one. Once logged in, click on Events and select YCS Columbus by clicking on Details. Follow the instructions from there to confirm your seat at the YCS.
- Duelists will pay $25.00 USD to receive five (5) booster packs and registration in the event. This is the cost of five (5) booster packs in the local currency, including any taxes and fees.
- Deck Lists for the Genesys Main Event are not due when you register for the YCS.
- See How do I turn in my Deck List for the YCS? for details on how to submit your decklist.
- Duelists who register online MUST arrive on site Friday May 22, 2026, between 12:00 PM EDT and 6:00 PM EDT and check in at the event or they forfeit their seat at the YCS.
- If you discover you cannot arrive by 6:00 PM EDT on May 22, 2026 to check in, you must email Yu-Gi-Oh! registration staff at us-ygo-registration@kde-us.com no later than 11:00 AM EDT on Friday, May 22 to make alternative check-in arrangements. If travel plans change after 11:00 AM EDT on Friday, May 22, such as a flight is delayed, you can email registration staff, but we cannot guarantee you will be able to be accommodated.
- Any Duelist that does not attend a YCS they registered for and does not reach out to the registration website team beforehand will be blocked from registering online for future YCS events.
- For Public Events registration information, please see the Public Events FAQ.
Q: When can I register for YCS Columbus 2026?
A: For this YCS, Duelists will need to register online to secure a seat to compete at YCS Columbus 2026.
- Duelists can register online here:
- https://registration.yugioh-card.com/
- Registration will remain open until either all available seats in the YCS are sold out or until Friday, May 22, 2026, at 12:00 PM EDT (whichever comes first).
- Space is limited.
- Duelists who successfully register must still arrive at YCS Columbus and check in on Friday, May 22, 2026 between 12:00 PM EDT and 6:00 PM EDT to confirm their seat in the Tournament or their seat will be forfeited, and their entry will be refunded after the YCS.
- If you are not able to check in on Friday May 22 prior to 6:00 PM EDT due to travel or other issues, you will need to contact Yu-Gi-Oh! Registration staff at us-ygo-registration@kde-us.com no later than 11:00 AM EDT on Friday May 22 to make alternative check-in arrangements.
- Any Duelist that does not attend a YCS they registered for and does not reach out to the registration website team beforehand will be blocked from registering online for future YCS events.
We urge you to register online for the event due to seating capacity.
Q: How do I turn in my Deck List for the YCS?
A: Once you have registered for the Genesys Main Event you will need to go into NEURON and submit your Genesys Deck List.
The Genesys Main Event will appear in the Confirm/Manage My Tournaments section on the Events tab between 24 and 48 hours after you register for the event
If it has been more than 48 hours since you registered and the event is not showing up in NEURON please contact us-ygo-registration@kde-us.com. Please provide your full name and the CARD GAME ID you used to register for the Genesys Main Event.
Once a Deck List has been submitted, you can update and resubmit it up until the Deck List deadline of 2:00 PM EDT Friday, May 22, 2026.
Q: When do I turn in my Deck List for the YCS?
A: Deck Lists are due online by 2:00 PM EDT Friday, May 22, 2026.
- Duelists who do not turn in their Deck Lists by 2:00 PM EDT on Friday, May 22, 2026, will automatically forfeit their seat and their entry will be refunded after the YCS.
- Any Duelist that does not attend a YCS they registered for and does not reach out to the registration website team beforehand will be blocked from registering online for future YCS/WCQ events.
- Deck Lists must be submitted through NEURON. Physical copies of a Deck list will not be accepted onsite for the YCS.
Once a Deck List has been submitted, you can update and resubmit it up until the Deck List deadline of 2:00 PM EDT Friday, May 22, 2026.
Q: How do I check in at the YCS?
A: Registered Duelists just need to arrive onsite at the venue between 12:00 PM EDT and 6:00 PM EDT on Friday, May 22and follow the signs to check in and confirm your seat in the YCS. Duelists will need to show their CARD GAME ID on their NEURON app to check in. At this time Duelists will receive their booster packs once they are confirmed at check in. If you are not able to check in on Friday, May 22, 2026 prior to 6:00 PM EDT due to travel or other issues, you will need to contact Yu-Gi-Oh! registration staff at us-ygo-registration@kde-us.com no later than 11:00 AM EDT on Friday May 22to make alternative check-in arrangements.
Q: If online registration is sold out, is there anything I can do to participate at the YCS Columbus 2026?
A: Duelists who register have two deadlines to meet or their seats are forfeited. Any seats that become available will only be open to Duelists on site at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on Friday, May 22, 2026. There is NO GUARANTEE any seats will become available if online registration sells out, so if you are not local to, or planning to be in Columbus, OH, on the weekend of the YCS, we do not recommend you arrange travel and hotel without a confirmed seat to compete in the YCS. Seating will be limited, and Public Events alone are no reason to travel long distances. There will be more YCS, so please keep that in mind if you are unable to register for this event.
Genesys Format Main Event Schedule
| DAY | START TIME (Times are Eastern Daylight Time) | END TIME | |
| Mandatory On-site Check In | Friday, May 22, 2026 | 12:00 PM (EDT) | 6:00 PM (EDT) |
| On-site Registration (if seats are available) | Friday, May 22, 2026 | 3:00 PM (EDT) | 7:00 PM (EDT) |
| YCS Columbus 2026 Genesys Main Event Day 1 | Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 10:30 AM (EDT) | – |
| YCS Columbus 2026 Genesys Main Event Day 2 | Sunday, May 24, 2026 | 9:30 AM (EDT) | – |
*** Schedules are subject to change and may be updated before the event begins. ***
Saturday
| 8:00 AM | Exhibit Hall opens |
| 10:30 AM | Round 1 of Day 1 for the Genesys Main Event begins |
| 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Concessions available |
| 7:00 PM – 11:59 PM* | After Standings are finalized at the conclusion of Day 1 Rounds, Exhibit Hall is closed |
Sunday
| 8:45 AM | Exhibit Hall opens |
| 9:30 AM | First Round of Day 2 of the Genesys Main Event begins |
| 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Concessions available |
| 12:00 PM* – 2:00 PM* | Final Standings after Final Round of Day 2 will be posted |
| 2:00 PM* – 7:00 PM* | Top Cut Single Elimination Rounds |
| 7:00 PM* | After the conclusion of the tournament, Exhibit Hall is closed |
* Please note that these times are subject to change as a verity of factors can affect the start and end times of the above schedule.
Genesys Main Event Prizing
| Place | Prizes |
| 1st | Ultra Rare YCS Prize Card – Anotherverse Stratios YCS Trophy YCS Branded Premium Messenger Bag ROG Xbox Ally 16 GB RAM 512GB SSD Steam Download code for Yu-Gi-Oh! EARLY DAYS COLLECTION A GIANT CARD!! of the winner’s choice** which will be awarded to the winner at the next WCQ Invite to and VIP status at the next WCQ tournament YCS Metal Dice Set YCS Sleeves YCS Game Mat |
| 2nd | Super Rare YCS Prize Card – Anotherverse Stratios YCS Branded Premium Messenger Bag ROG Xbox Ally 16 GB RAM 512GB SSD Steam Download code for Yu-Gi-Oh! EARLY DAYS COLLECTION Invite to the next WCQ tournament YCS Metal Dice Set YCS Sleeves YCS Game Mat |
| 3rd – 4th | Super Rare YCS Prize Card – Anotherverse Stratios ROG Xbox Ally 1080p 512GB SSD Steam Download code for Yu-Gi-Oh! EARLY DAYS COLLECTION Invite to the next WCQ tournament YCS Metal Dice Set YCS Sleeves YCS Game Mat |
| 5th-8th | ROG Xbox Ally 16 GB RAM 512GB SSD Steam Download code for Yu-Gi-Oh! EARLY DAYS COLLECTION Invite to the next WCQ tournament YCS Metal Dice Set YCS Sleeves YCS Game Mat |
| 9th – 16th | 24 booster packs of the current booster release Invite to the next WCQ tournament YCS Sleeves YCS Game Mat |
| Top 16 | Top 16 Ultra Rare YCS Prize Card: Effect Veiler |
| Top 32 | Top 32 Super Rare YCS Prize Card: Card Trooper |
| Top 64/128/256** | YCS Prize Card Pack |
*In addition to the other prizes for 1st place, the winner will receive complimentary travel and accommodation for the next WCQ in their territory (North and Latin America only).
** Not all Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards can be made into Giant Cards; see https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/faq/event_prizing/ for details.
*** The YCS Prize Card Pack will be available starting at the 1st Round of Swiss on Day 2 based on standings announced at the end of Day 1. Duelists may pick up their packs at the main stage from the start of the 1st Round of Swiss on Day 2 up until the start of Top 8.
The Ultra Rare YCS Prize Card: Effect Veiler and Super Rare YCS Prize Card: Card Trooper will be awarded after Final Swiss Standings are determined, prior to the Top 8 cut. Duelists must still be enrolled in the tournament at the end of the final Round of Swiss and ranked in the Top 16 or Top 32 respectively to receive these Prize Cards.
| Number of Participants | YCS Prize Card Pack |
| Under 513 | Top 64 |
| 513 – 1024 Duelists | Top 128 |
| 1025 or more Duelists | Top 256 |
YCS Trophy
YCS Prize Card
Yu Gi Oh! Championship Series Metal Dice
(Please note that color may differ per event)
YCS Prize Card: Effect Veiler
Super Rare YCS Prize Card: Card Trooper
YCS Prize Card
(Day 2 teams depending on attendance will receive a Prize Card from a pool of 10 cards)
YCS Sleeves
YCS Game Mat
YCS Information
- The YCS will be a two-day event with two Main Events, one featuring Advanced and one featuring Genesys with a 100 Point cap.
- Best 2 out of 3 Matches
- Swiss Rounds followed by a Single-Elimination Playoff Top Cut. Rounds are dependent on the total number of Duelists at the time registration closes.
- Time Limit: 50 Minutes per Swiss Round.
Q: Where is YCS Columbus 2026?
A: YCS Columbus will be held at:
Greater Columbus Convention Center
Exhibit Halls C & D
400 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
United States
Q: What happens at a YCS event?
A: A YCS is a big, exciting 2-day event that take place from Saturday to Sunday. Duelists from all over will attend these events to compete for exclusive prizes and spend the weekend Dueling, trading, and hanging out with hundreds of other Yu-Gi-Oh! fans. This is the first YCS to offer two main events, one featuring Advanced Format and one featuring Genesys Format with a 100 Point cap. The Advanced Format Main Event will award invites to the next World Championship Qualifier.
In addition to the two main event tournaments, there are numerous Public Events, like Win-A-Mat & More Tournaments, Speed Duel, Yu-Gi-Oh! DUEL LINKS (DUEL LINKS)*, Yu-Gi-Oh! MASTER DUEL (MASTER DUEL)**, and Regional Qualifier tournaments. Competitive or casual, there is something for everyone to do at a Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series weekend event.
*In order to participate in DUEL LINKS, Duelists will need to have the latest version of DUEL LINKS which is currently v 10.3.0.
***In order to participate in MASTER DUEL, Duelists will need to have the latest version of MASTER DUEL which is currently v 2.5.0.
Q: Will there be meal breaks during the tournament?
A: As there will be food and drinks available inside the tournament hall, there will not be any meal breaks scheduled into the tournament.
Q: How many Rounds will the YCS Columbus 2026 Series have?
A: The total number of Duelists will determine the number of Rounds that are played.
| Number of Participants* | Number of Swiss Rounds | Swiss Rounds Day 1 | Swiss Rounds Day 2 | Playoff Top Cut |
| 129 – 256 Duelists | 11 Rounds | 7 Rounds | 4 Rounds | Top 8 |
| 257 – 512 Duelists | 12 Rounds | 8 Rounds | 4 Rounds | Top 8 |
| 513 – 1024 Duelists | 13 Rounds | 8 Rounds | 5 Rounds | Top 8 |
| 1025 – 2048 Duelists | 14 Rounds | 9 Rounds | 5 Rounds | Top 8 |
| 2049 or more Duelists | 15 Rounds | 9 Rounds | 6 Rounds | Top 8 |
Q: How many Duelists will advance to Day 2?
A: If there are 256 or fewer Duelists registered for the YCS, then the Top 64 Duelists OR Duelists with a minimum of 15 Points, whichever number is larger, will advance to Day 2.
If there are 257 – 512 Duelists registered for the YCS, then the Top 64 Duelists OR Duelists with a minimum of 18 Points, whichever number is larger, will advance to Day 2.
If there are 513 – 1024 Duelists registered for the YCS, then the Top 128 Duelists OR Duelists with a minimum of 18 Points, whichever number is larger, will advance to Day 2.
If there are 1025 – 2048 Duelists registered for the YCS, then the Top 256 Duelists OR Duelists with a minimum of 21 Points, whichever number is larger, will advance to Day 2.
If there are 2049 or more Duelists registered for the YCS, then the Top 256 Duelists OR Duelists with a minimum of 21 Points, whichever number is larger, will advance to Day 2.
Q: How many Duelists will advance to the Top Cut?
A: The tournament will cut to Top 8 after all rounds of Swiss are completed.
Q: How do I obtain the Pre-Registration Yu-Gi-Oh! Coin?
A: All Duelists that pre-register online and submit their Deck Lists through the online system by 2:00 PM on Friday, May 22nd, 2026, and check in on Friday May 22nd, will receive one random Pre-Registration Yu-Gi-Oh! Coin*. Any Duelists that do not check in on Friday May 22nd, will not be eligible for a Pre-Registration Yu-Gi-Oh! Coin.
Pre-Registration Yu-Gi-Oh! Coin
*All pre-registration prizes are available while supplies last.
Q: What security information should I know for the YCS?
A: There will be security personnel and local police onsite at the YCS.
Q: Who should I contact if I have questions about the YCS?
A:
Tournament Organizer: The Side Deck
Email: info@thesidedeck.com
YCS Registration
Email: us-ygo-registration@kde-us.com
KDE-US Representative
Email: us-opsupport@konami.com with the subject “Question for YCS Columbus 2026”
Q: Will there be coverage of the YCS Columbus 2026?
A: Yes! Feature Matches will be livestreamed and there will also be online coverage and other updates at the YCS available here:
Event Coverage blog – Event updates, Quick Questions, Pairings, and Standings
Livestream of Feature Matches and the Top Cut Matches will be streamed on our Twitch and YouTube channels. These channels can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialYuGiOhTCG
https://www.twitch.tv/officialyugiohtcg
Travel
Q: What is the closest airport to YCS Columbus 2026?
A: Nearest Airport(s):
| Airport | Airport Code | City | State | Distance to Venue |
| John Glenn Columbus International Airport | CMH | Columbus | OH | 5.6 miles |
| Rickenbacker International Airport | LCK | Columbus | OH | 17.4 miles |
Q: What’s the best way to get to the tournament from the airports?
A: UBER, LYFT, and other app-based rideshare apps are available for pickup and drop off at both airports.
John Glenn Columbus International Airport: https://flycolumbus.com/passengers/taxis-shuttles-rideshare/
Rickenbacker International Airport: https://flycolumbus.com/passengers/rickenbacker-passengers/#lckgt
Q: Are there any nearby Hotels?
A: Yes. There are many hotels in the vicinity of the Convention Center. Please Visit this link to see hotel options in the area: https://map.concept3d.com/?id=1095#!ce/22377?ct/21830,22373,26245,22460,22377?s/
Nearest Hotel(s):
| Hotel | City | State | Distance to Venue | Phone |
| Drury Inn & Suites | Columbus | OH | Attached to Convention Center | (614) 221-7008 |
| Hilton Columbus Downtown | Columbus | OH | Attached to Convention Center | (614) 384-8600 |
| Hyatt Regency Columbus | Columbus | OH | Attached to Convention Center | (614) 463-1234 |
| Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph | Columbus | OH | Attached to Convention Center | (614) 227-0100 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites | Columbus | OH | 0.3 miles | (614) 559-2000 |
| Red Roof Inn | Columbus | OH | 0.3 miles | (614) 224-6539 |
| Canopy by Hilton | Columbus | OH | 0.4 miles | (614) 223-1400 |
| Sonesta Columbus Downtown | Columbus | OH | 0.5 miles | (614) 461-4100 |
COVID-19 Restrictions
Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (KDE-US) strongly encourages, but does not require, all attendees to be fully vaccinated and to wear a mask. However, KDE-US reserves the right to implement a mandatory mask and/or vaccine requirement for any event on short notice, if deemed necessary. If this event does require attendees to wear a mask, KDE-US will make all available efforts to notify all attendees. However, it is your responsibility to confirm you have read and understood the most current KDE-US COVID-19 policy prior to your arrival at the event, by checking this FAQ section, which may be updated from time to time.
Please note that all attendees must follow measures outlined in the KDE-US COVID-19 Addendum to help prevent the spread of illness. The COVID-19 addendum can be found at https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/penalty_guide/COVID19_Addendum_v_1.pdf.
Any attendee who has or develops symptoms consistent with COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status or other measures taken, should refrain from attending this event. If symptoms develop during this event, attendees should immediately notify event staff, withdraw from this event and leave the venue. If event staff observe symptoms consistent with COVID-19, they may direct impacted individuals to leave the venue. This can include the symptomatic individual and those who were in close proximity with such individual for extended periods of time.
By attending this event in person, all attendees understand and acknowledge that they risk exposure to and contraction of potentially dangerous diseases and viruses, including the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and any other diseases or viruses not listed, while traveling to, from, and during the event. By attending this event, all attendees agree to knowingly and freely assume all such risks and enter the venue at their own risk.
KDE-US makes no representations that it has taken any safety precautions that relate to infectious diseases or exposure, and even if KDE-US did proactively take preventative measures, KDE-US has made no representation that those measures will in any way reduce or prevent the risks associated with exposure. Attendees release KDE-US, its employees and representatives, and all persons involved WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL ILLNESS, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property, to the fullest extent permitted by law. BY ATTENDING IN THIS EVENT, ATTENDEES ARE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN A FULL RELEASE OF LIABILITY TO KDE-US TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
