Neutral Grounds has outlined the mechanics and guidelines for the Neutral Grounds Champions League 2026, a store-based competitive program that will run from July 27 to September 6, 2026. The event covers several game titles and will culminate in a finals weekend on October 24-25 at the Concourse, One Ayala, by Ayala Malls.
Event Scope
The qualifying period applies to branch-sanctioned events for Magic: The Gathering, Flesh and Blood, Riftbound League of Legends, and Star Wars Unlimited. For miniature games, separate feeder events will be held for Marvel Crisis Protocol and Conquest: The Last Argument of Kings, with invitations to the finals to follow.
Points earned during the qualifying period will be recorded and tallied on the NGCL website, which will serve as the hub for point reviews, updates, announcements, and player FAQs. Please note that only official Neutral Grounds staff at participating stores may tally the points on the website.
Participating Stores
The accredited stores running NGCL events are Neutral Grounds Alabang Town Center, Ali Mall, Central Bloc Cebu, Centris, District Cavite, GH Mall, One Ayala, Manila Bay, Megamall, and Vertis North.
Players earn one point for each participation in a sanctioned event, while the event winner receives two additional points. A player may join in more than one store and across multiple game titles, but the daily maximum is three points per game title, per store. Any points beyond that limit will be considered invalid.
Eligibility Rules
Participation must be in person. Players who register but do not actually take part will not receive points, and proxy participation is not allowed. Point trading, sharing, or selling is also prohibited and may lead to disqualification.
To qualify for team consideration, a player must join at least six events in the game title they are aiming for. Individuals directly affiliated with Neutral Grounds Philippines may participate, play, and help organize events, but they are not eligible to accumulate points. The NGCL team will have the final say on member and team eligibility.
Team Formation
Store champions will be determined by the highest point earners per store and per game title, provided they have joined at least six events by the end of September 6, 2026. If a player qualifies for more than one game title, they must choose only one team, and the open slot will pass to the next eligible candidate.
If a player qualifies for more than one store, the player must choose which store and team to represent. In case of ties, the player with the most games played gets priority. If the tie remains, the player who played on the earliest date earns the spot.
Each team for Magic: The Gathering, Flesh and Blood, Riftbound League of Legends, and Star Wars Unlimited will consist of three members, with the store manager serving as team manager. Replacements must follow the same points-based hierarchy and must be made at least three weeks before the final event.
Prizes and Finals
The finals will bring together all store champions per game title for the Neutral Grounds Champions League 2026. Prize details have not yet been finalized and are still subject to sponsor confirmation. For more information, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When does the qualifying period run?
A: It runs from July 27 to September 6, 2026.
Q: Which game titles are included?
A: Magic: The Gathering, Flesh and Blood, Riftbound League of Legends, and Star Wars Unlimited are included, while Marvel Crisis Protocol and Conquest have separate feeder events.
Q: How are points earned?
A: Players earn one point for participation and the winner receives two additional points.
Q: What is the minimum requirement to qualify for a team?
A: A player must join at least six events for the specific game title they want to qualify in.
Q: When and where will the finals happen?
A: The finals are scheduled for October 24-25 at the Concourse, One Ayala, by Ayala Malls.