In preparation for season 3 of the Rivals Championship Series, it’s time to revisit where the competitive scene stands leading into the first events this weekend. Before we reminisce on the plays, popoffs, and personalities from last season, let’s get some frequently asked questions and other information about how this list was created out of the way.
Other Articles in the Series
- S2 Top 50: Introduction (you are here)
- S2 Top 50: Honorable Mentions
- S2 Top 50: #50 – 41
- S2 Top 50: #40 – 31
- S2 Top 50: #30 – 21
- S2 Top 50: #20 – 11
- S2 Top 50: #10 – 1
Methodology
There are numerous ways to create a ranking system in any game, and we’ve put much consideration into the options while weighing what fits best for Rivals. This year we’ve elected to use a polling method with player eligibility on the ballot based on RCS standings. Thirty panelists from regions around North America were selected primarily based on their activity, skill, and involvement in the competitive scene. Their ratings and input were aggregated to create the final list.
This method was the favorite to avoid a major point of contention for a scene our size – mainly not having a system in place to “objectively” compare placings in different events against each other. For season 2 events at least, we don’t think weighing or tiering tournaments is wise due to properties like the arbitrary schedule, region availability, and top player attendance with the current size of locals (even though a system like this is likely to be formed during season 3).
Panelists
As mentioned above, 23 panelists were selected primarily based on their activity, skill, and involvement in the competitive scene. Seven additional panelists were selected based on contributions other than skill (while still maintaining some involvement in the competitive scene) for a total panel of 30 members. The panelists are broken down by region here:
Canada:
East Coast:
Central:
West Coast:
Community: (Not region specific. Non-competitive qualifications.)
Player Eligibility
Players were eligible to be on the top 50 ballot if they gathered at least 2 RCS points over the duration of season 2. These circuit points were earned during the season by placing top 32 or higher at RCS events. Players could also be added to the ballot as a write-in by any panelist. Votes on these players were brought forward separately.
Some players had a lot of circuit points in season 2.
Region
Though this list is intended to be for the North American region only, this eligibility system does mean that players from other regions who have traveled and performed well in NA could become qualified. If panelists felt they had enough knowledge to give input, they could rank and vote on them like any other player. Naturally a separate ballot and panelists familiar with each scene are needed for other regions. Separate top player lists for EU and AU will be published following The Top 50.
Inactive Players
Since the competitive season is long and players come and go, panelists were asked to make notes next to any player on the ballot they believed to be inactive. Players with enough flags were removed from the top 50 and certain players were audited additionally to determine activity.
If a player reached a certain threshold of notes indicating that they were highly skilled but inactive, they were moved to an honorable mentions list. Participation is an important part of a growing community!
The Ballot
Taking a page out of the brilliant SSBMRank’s book, we asked our panelists to rate eligible players based on the following question:
Let us know if you have any additional questions in the comments. The S2 Top 50 will be released throughout the week counting down from #50 to #1. We hope you’re looking forward to the reveal!
If you’re unfamiliar with the official, developer-sponsored tournament circuit, 
With the unveiling of the next installation of the Rivals Championship Series, the 
Smash’N’Splash 4
“The Waterpark Tournament returns to the Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells. This venue features a 30,000 square foot convention center, indoor and outdoor waterparks, full size amusement park and much more!”
“This is but one of the sagas of which the people speak… Celebrating the Legend of Zelda series, 2GG is proud to bring you Hyrule Saga! Not only will this event have an emphasis on the Zelda aspect of the Smash series, we will also be providing various events and activities inspired by the franchise itself. If you’re a fan of the Zelda franchise, you don’t want to miss this event!”
“Andromeda is the perfect place for all competitive Smash, Splatoon and RoA players and offers one of the best venues in France and Europe. Besides, Andromeda is the first european tournament to propose a Splatoon 2 tournament fully driven by its community and by Esportbros.TV. Finally, a Rivals of Aether major is put forward in order to gather the best competitive players.”
One of the trademark Smash tournaments of the Midwest has added Rivals to their lineup this year! Check it out this weekend!
So Central Ohio has brought on Rivals for their regional event, (which happens to be sponsored by Arctic Fury, which happens to also sponsor two top Rivals players: Windows from Florida and Slime Mage from Sweden – shout-outs to them!) and there are a couple of variables to take note of here: they have a $100 pot bonus for Rivals, and at the time of writing only 4 players have registered for the Rivals bracket. If you’re in the area, I definitely recommend getting in there!
The AZ scene which brought us Heat Wave and Cold Snap offers a one-of-a-kind LARPing tournament experience inspired by Yu-Gi-Oh!, encouraging players of all skill levels to participate. Well, except for the players at the top skill level. They are actually prohibited from participating. I highly recommend looking this one, it’s one of the most interesting ideas for a tournament I’ve ever heard. Don’t wait, either – it’s capped at 40 entrants!
No matter your skill level, we want all players to feel at home in the RCS. We’re encouraging players to come hang out on 
