The GameDay Squad (GDS) Cup is making its debut in 2025, bringing a brand-new level of competition to the fantasy sports world! Whether you're a seasoned fantasy coach or new to the platform, this guide will break down everything you need to know about the competition, including how to participate, key features, and what’s at stake.
What is the 2025 GDS Cup?
The GDS Cup is a off-platform fantasy sports competition within the GameDay Squad ecosystem, where coaches compete using their player cards to build the ultimate starter squad. The tournament provides a unique blend of strategy, skill, and competition, making it one of the most exciting events in the 2025 GDS fantasy sports calendar.
Competition Details:
Format: The 2025 GDS Cup follows traditional survivor fantasy rules.
Competition Type: All squads must adhere to STARTER COMPETITION squad rules.
Participants: A total of 512 coaches will compete. (Top 512 post round 2 for Aussie Rules and Round 3 for Rugby League)
Fixtures: Each round's matchups are randomised.
Number of Rounds: The competition spans 9 rounds, starting March 27, 2025.
Sports: Both Rugby League and Aussie Rules GDS Cups will start on March 27, 2025.
How to Enter: As the coach, you don't need to do anything besides set your Starter Competition squads each round! From there the GDS Team will create the fixtures and provide updates after each round for who is progressing, and who has been knocked out.
How to Participate
To enter the 2025 GDS Cup, follow these simple steps:
Sign Up – Ensure you have an active and verified GameDay Squad account.
Assemble Your Squad – Use your existing player cards or acquire new ones through packs, trading, or auctions. The GDS Cup follows Starter Competition Rules. All you need to do is craft your best Starter Squad and the GDS team will handle the rest.
Keep Tabs – Once the GDS Cup begins, submit your best team each round to progress through the rounds.
Tournament Rules and Format
The 2025 GDS Cup follows a structured competition format with clearly defined rules to ensure fairness and engagement.
Tournament Structure
The competition will be divided into multiple stages:
Qualifying Rounds – All registered coaches participate in the opening rounds of regular GameDay Squad Rugby League and Aussie Rules seasonal competitions.
Knockout Rounds – The top-performing teams from the qualifying rounds advance to the knockout stage, where direct elimination rounds begin. Losing teams are eliminated, and winning teams progress.
Team Selection and Restrictions
Coaches must submit a squad that adheres to GameDay Squad’s Starter Competition rules. Meaning bronze only squads with no special cards.
Coaches can update their squad between rounds but must adhere to the lockouts.
Tiebreaker Rules
In the event of tied scores, the following tiebreaker rules will apply:
Seasonal Points - In the case of a draw, higher seasonal score will be the tiebreaker.
Strategies for Success
Want to maximize your chances of winning the GDS Cup? Here are some key tips:
Build a Balanced Squad – Don’t just go for star players; ensure your team has depth and flexibility.
Monitor Player Form – Keep an eye on real-world performances to make informed selection choices.
Utilize Trades and Auctions – Strengthen your squad by trading with others or bidding on high-value cards.
Adapt to Competition Rounds – Adjust your squad as needed based on round eliminations and scoring patterns.
Why You Should Join the 2025 GDS Cup
The GDS Cup is more than just a competition; it's an experience that immerses you in the fantasy sports ecosystem. It’s a chance to test your skills, compete with top-tier coaches, and win exclusive prizes. Whether you're aiming for glory or just want to enjoy the thrill of fantasy sports, the GDS Cup is the place to be!
Don’t miss out – start preparing your squad now and get ready for the ultimate fantasy showdown!