Why Are We Making These Changes?

Our Side Event and Prize Wall systems have remained largely unchanged for some time. Over the past several seasons, we have gathered feedback from players, judges, and staff, while also reviewing participation and redemption data from previous Ascents.

Using this information, we have identified several opportunities to improve the overall experience for both competitors and spectators. Our goal is to make Side Events and the Prize Wall more engaging, accessible, and rewarding.

Currently, our data indicates that the Prize Wall economy is heavily concentrated around a small number of premium items such as Uncut Sheets or Jumbo Cards. As a result, access to many of the most desirable rewards is often limited to a small group of attendees who are willing or able to acquire large quantities of tickets, including through secondary transactions with other players.

This creates a situation where an attendee, even one who plays only Side Events and has no interest in purchasing tickets from other players, has little realistic opportunity to obtain some of these premium items.

The changes outlined below are intended to create a healthier and more accessible reward structure, while preserving meaningful goals and aspirational rewards for our most dedicated participants.

1. Expansion of Side Events

One piece of feedback we've consistently received is that our current Side Event offerings are too limited.

Over the coming season, we will be expanding our Side Event schedule to provide more opportunities for players to participate, earn rewards, and enjoy the event experience throughout the weekend.

2. Expansion of the Prize Wall

As we continue to grow our Side Events, we also want to expand the variety and excitement of rewards available on the Prize Wall.

Throughout the season, we will be regularly introducing new and exclusive items to ensure there is always something exciting to work toward.

The first major addition will be a CPR version of the Ascent Entry Promo:

3. Making Premium Prize Wall Items More Obtainable

As we refine both our Side Event offerings and Prize Wall structure, we want attendees to have a realistic path toward obtaining premium rewards through their own participation.

While some rewards should remain aspirational, we do not want players to feel that acquiring tickets from friends or other attendees is a requirement to obtain the items they want.

In addition to increasing Side Event opportunities and improving Ascent Store Ticket payouts, we will also be drastically reducing the Ascent Store Ticket cost of select premium Prize Wall items.

For example, previously a Jumbo Card cost 20,000 Ascent Store Tickets at the Ascent Store. Going forward, that price will be reduced to 10,000 Ascent Store Tickets.

These adjustments are intended to make our most exciting rewards more achievable for attendees while still preserving their prestige and value.

We will also be making the following change to the Ascent Ticket system to help make these premium Prize Wall items more obtainable:

4. Ascent Store Tickets Will No Longer Be Awarded for Main Event Wins

To help create a healthier and more balanced ticket economy, Ascent Store Tickets will no longer be awarded for wins in the main Ascent event.

As we expand our Side Event offerings and increase the rewards available through them, our goal is for the Prize Wall to primarily reward participation in Side Events rather than success in the main tournament. This allows attendees of all skill levels to engage with the Prize Wall while creating a clearer distinction between main event prizing and Side Event rewards.

5. Event Package Tickets Are Being Replaced with Vouchers

The original purpose of including Ascent Store Tickets in Ascent entry packages was to allow players to select a playmat or similar reward of their choosing from the Prize Wall rather than locking every participant to a single playmat. However, over time, this became the primary way Ascent Store Tickets entered the event economy.

Beginning with future Ascents, entry package tickets will be replaced with single-use vouchers redeemable only at that Ascent.

These vouchers may still be freely traded between attendees, but only one voucher may be applied to a single transaction. This means that while players can continue to use vouchers toward rewards of their choice, they can no longer be accumulated in large quantities to obtain premium Prize Wall items on their own.

This change helps ensure that premium rewards are primarily earned through participation in Side Events while preserving the flexibility and value of the voucher system.

With the foundation of the updated Side Event and Prize Wall ecosystem in place, we're also excited to introduce an entirely new way for Pantheon players to earn rewards throughout the weekend.

6. Pantheon Battle Pass

We are introducing the Pantheon Battle Pass, a progression system designed to reward players for participating in Pantheon throughout the event.

Rather than being tied solely to wins and losses, the Battle Pass rewards players for their time spent engaging with the format. As players accumulate hours of Pantheon play, they will unlock a variety of rewards, including booster packs, Pantheon Packs, Ascent Store Tickets, Event Prize Packs (EVP), an exclusive Omnidex Profile Picture, and an exclusive Promo card!

The goal of the Pantheon Battle Pass is simple: reward players who love the format and choose to spend their weekend enjoying it. Whether you're looking to grind rewards, earn exclusive collectibles, or simply enjoy games with friends between scheduled events, the Battle Pass provides a clear and rewarding progression path throughout the entire Ascent weekend.

More information regarding the Pantheon Battle Pass will be available at a later date.

We look forward to everyone experiencing our new and improved Side Events!