> 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/the-2027-gds-cup.md).

# The 2027 GDS Cup

## **What is the GDS Cup?**

GameDay Squad Football's premier end of season knockout competition. Featuring the top 64 Classic coaches from the current season, this tournament brings high stakes strategy, requires elite coaching, and delivers the ultimate bragging rights for the winner.

Coaches must fight through the group stage and then onto a knockout finals stage, where every decision counts and every point could be the difference between victory and elimination.

### **Competition Details:**

* **Format:** Seeded group stages followed by a knockout finals bracket
* **Competition Type:** All squads must adhere to Classic Competition squad rules
* **Participants:** A total of 64 coaches will compete.
* **Qualification:** The 64 coaches with the highest seasonal Classic rank after Round 30 will qualify
* **Fixtures:** Group fixtures plus a pre determined playoff bracket
* **Number of weeks:** The official cup competition spans 8 weeks

### Qualification

Entry into The GDS Cup is exclusive.

* The Top 64 Classic Coaches on the overall leaderboard after Round 30 will qualify.
* Rankings are taken after lockout of Round 30 and cannot be changed retroactively.
* Only valid Classic squads are eligible (coaches must have legally submitted squads throughout the qualifying period).

These 64 coaches will be split into seeded groups based on their finishing position.

### **Tournament Structure**

The GDS Cup has two stages:

1. Seeded Group Stage
2. Knockout Finals

### **1. Seeded Group Stage**

#### **Group Formation**

* 64 coaches are placed into 16 groups of 4.
* Groups are seeded using a 1 to 64 ranking, ensuring balanced competitive integrity.
* Example seeding:
  * Pot 1: Ranks 1 to 16
  * Pot 2: Ranks 17 to 32
  * Pot 3: Ranks 33 to 48
  * Pot 4: Ranks 49 to 64

Every group will contain exactly one coach from each pot.

Please note: GameDay Squad will host a live draw on stream to draw the groups. Details on this draw to be posted at a later date.

#### **Group Stage Format**

* Each coach plays 3 head-to-head matchups, one against every coach in their group.
* Scoring for each match is based on standard Classic scoring.
* Matches align with regular season rounds:
  * Group Round 1 → Round 31
  * Group Round 2 → Round 32
  * Group Round 3 → Round 33

#### **Group Points System**

* **Win:** 3 points
* **Draw:** 1 point
* **Loss:** 0 points

Additional ranking metrics (in order):

1. Total Group Points
2. Points For (total Classic points scored across the group stage)
3. Head-to-head result

#### **Advancing from the Group Stage**

* Top 2 coaches from each group advance.
* 16 groups × 2 advancing = 32 coaches entering the Knockout Stage.

### **2. Knockout Finals**

The remaining 32 coaches enter a single elimination bracket. Lose once from here and you're out.

#### **Bracket Seeding**

* Coaches are re-seeded for the knockout phase based on their original qualification ranking (1 to 64).
* Higher seeds play lower seeds in the Round of 32.
  * Seed 1 vs Seed 32
  * Seed 2 vs Seed 31
  * and so on.

This maintains fairness and rewards strong regular season performance.

#### **Knockout Match Format**

* Each knockout matchup is decided by a coach's Classic round score.
* The higher scoring coach advances.
* Rounds progress as follows:
  * Round of 32: Round 34
  * Round of 16: Round 35
  * Quarter Finals: Round 36
  * Semi Finals: Round 37
  * Grand Final: Round 38

#### **Knockout Tie-Breakers**

If a knockout match ends in a tie, the winner will be the higher original qualification seed.

### **Cup Prizes**

Each stage you survive earns you rewards:

* **Group Qualifiers:** 1 x 3 Player Common Pack
* **Round of 32:** 1 x 3 Player Rare Pack
* **Round of 16:** 1 x 3 Player Unique Pack
* **Quarter Finals:** 1 x 9 Player Unique Pack
* **Semi Finals:** 1 x 10 Player Elite Pack
* **The Final:** Pick 33 in the 2027 GDS Prize Card Draft

Coaches who have won seasonal prize cards are still eligible to win the GDS Cup prize card, as the Fez Rule is not applied to the GDS Cup.