> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gameday-squad.gitbook.io/gameday-squad/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gameday-squad.gitbook.io/gameday-squad/sports/football/learning-the-game/competitions/standard-competitions.md). # Standard Competitions There are 5 standard competitions that coaches can enter via the competitions tab. ### Starter * Salary Cap: 7.5mil * Rarities Allowed: Bronze only * Special Card Limit: 0 * Special Rules: None * Restrictions: Can't compete in if playing in the Challenger or Champion Competition The Starter Competition is designed specifically for coaches who are brand new to GameDay Squad Football. This competition uses Bronze player cards only, meaning that no cards which can be bought or sold can be used. This ensures every coach competes on an even playing field, with equal access to the same pool of player cards. These restrictions also mean that only new coaches are eligible to participate. This allows newcomers to learn the ropes, experiment with lineups, and experience the platform in a fair and beginner friendly environment without having to face more experienced coaches right away. At the same time, coaches can battle it out for pack prizes that will help them take the next step up as they progress through GameDay Squad's competitions. ### Contender * Salary Cap: 8mil * Rarities Allowed: Bronze, Silver and Gold * Special Card Limit: 0 * Special Rules: None * Restrictions: Can't compete in if playing in the Challenger or Champion Competition The Contender Competition is the first step where coaches begin to experience GameDay Squad's unique salary cap system. In this competition you can use Silver and Gold player cards, but the first introduction of a real salary cap means you'll need to carefully plan your squad and find the most effective way to build your lineup based on your collection. You won't have to face our top tier Champion coaches just yet, making it the perfect bridge between the Starter and Classic competitions. The Contender Competition also marks the first opportunity to compete for cash prizes as part of the round prize pool, while still offering pack rewards to help coaches continue progressing toward the Classic Competition. It's the ideal place for coaches who are still learning the game but are ready to take the next step and experience more of what GameDay Squad Football has to offer. ### Classic * Salary Cap: 10mil * Rarities Allowed: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Special Cards * Special Card Limit: 2 (1 Prize Card limit) * Special Rules: None * Restrictions: None The Classic Competition is the core competition of GameDay Squad and is designed for every coach on the platform, regardless of experience. It is the only competition without restrictions, meaning every coach competes in the same round, creating the largest and most inclusive competition across the platform. New coaches can achieve success with a smart game plan, while veteran coaches must rely on strategy and decision making rather than just the size of their collections. In this open format every coach can build and play their best possible squad while experiencing everything GameDay Squad has to offer. The competition also introduces special cards and Platinum cards, providing exceptional value and impact without being difficult to acquire. Combined with strong cash prizes and pack rewards, the Classic Competition is one that every coach should be entering every round. Classic is also the competition that both of our knockout cups are built on, so a squad set here is doing double duty across the season. ### Challenger * Salary Cap: 12mil * Rarities Allowed: Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Legend and Special Cards * Special Card Limit: 5 (1 Prize Card limit) * Special Rules: None * Restrictions: Can't compete in if playing in the Champion Competition The Challenger Competition is where the collection starts to matter. Bronze and Silver cards are locked out entirely, so every position in your squad needs to be filled with a Gold card or better, and the 12mil salary cap means you cannot simply load up on your best cards and hope it fits. This is the competition for coaches who have built genuine depth and want a harder test than Classic without stepping all the way up to Champion. The special card limit of 5 gives you real room to build around your best assets, and the cash prizes step up accordingly. ### Champion * Salary Cap: No Salary Cap * Rarities Allowed: Platinum, Diamond, Legend (5 Legend limit) and Special Cards * Special Card Limit: No Limit * Special Rules: None * Restrictions: None The Champion Competition is the top of the GameDay Squad Football ladder. There is no salary cap and no limit on special cards, so the only thing standing between you and your strongest possible squad is the strength of your collection and a maximum of 5 Legend cards. Gold and below are locked out, meaning every one of your 15 scoring players must be Platinum, Diamond or Legend. This is the competition that carries the biggest cash prizes of the season, and the one where the best collections in the game go head to head every single round.