The road to SpadesCon starts long before the first card hits the table in Las Vegas. Teams from across the country will have a chance to battle for their shot at championship glory by competing in a regional Golden Ticket Qualifier with the winning team receiving a cash prize plus airfare + hotel to Las Vegas for SpadesCon weekend in addition to free entry into the Ace High championship tournament.
There are only two ways to claim your seat at the table. Earn your way in by winning an official Golden Ticket Qualifier in one of our regional tournaments, or secure your spot through a limited number of Direct Entries released in exclusive waves.
With only 64 teams competing for the Ace High Championship, every spot matters. Whether you fight your way through the qualifiers or lock in your entry when the limited opportunity opens, the destination is the same.
One stage. One title. The ultimate bragging rights.
Golden Ticket Qualifiers
A Golden Ticket Qualifier is an official Spades Bowl tournament where teams compete to earn their way to the Spades Bowl Championships at SpadesCon in Las Vegas. A limited number of Golden Ticket Qualifiers will be held for each championship (JJDD & Ace High), with the winning team securing one of the coveted spots in the 64-team championship field. Golden Ticket winners receive free championship entry, round-trip travel, hotel accommodations, and a cash prize making it the ultimate way to earn your seat at the table. The remaining championship spots will be available through limited direct-entry releases, but Golden Ticket teams don’t buy their way in—they win their way in.
Already secured your spot? If you purchase a Spades Bowl Championship entry and later win an official Golden Ticket Qualifier, your previously purchased championship entry fee will be fully refunded.
32
Teams per qualifier
$2k
Prize Pool
Airfare + Hotel + Entry + Cash Prize
$200
Entry Fee Per Team
12
Tickets Per Championship
To maintain the competitive integrity of the Spades Bowl Championship Circuit, each Golden Ticket Qualifier must meet a minimum number of registered teams by the designated registration deadline (see thresholds below).
If the minimum requirement is not met, Spades Bowl reserves the right to reschedule the event or offer an alternative tournament format without Golden Ticket qualification status. Registered teams will be notified in advance and given the option to receive a full refund if the event is canceled or its Golden Ticket status is removed.
Full tournament details and qualification requirements will be communicated prior to the event.
Golden Ticket Qualifier Team Thresholds
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25 - 32 Teams = Official Golden Ticket Qualifier w/ $1,000 cash prize
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20 - 24 Teams = Official Golden Ticket Qualifier w/ $500 cash prize
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16 - 19 Teams = Official Golden Ticket Qualifier w/ no cash prize
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12 - 15 Teams = Converts to exhibition tournament w/ $750 cash prize
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< 12 Teams = Tournament postponed or cancelled.
A limited number of direct-entry spots will be released in exclusive waves throughout 2027, with priority access offered to players on our official championship waitlist.
Don’t wait until the field is full. Join the waitlist today to be among the first notified when direct-entry registration opens. You’ll receive exclusive announcements, registration instructions, and early access opportunities directly via email and text message.
SECURE YOUR SPOT. STILL CHASE THE GOLDEN TICKET.
Purchasing a direct entry doesn’t mean giving up your shot at winning a Golden Ticket! If your team secures a paid direct entry and later wins an official Spades Bowl Golden Ticket Qualifier, your direct-entry registration fee will be refunded in full, and your previously reserved spot will be released back into the available championship field.
Joining the waitlist does not guarantee championship entry. Direct-entry spots are limited and subject to availability. Refund eligibility applies when the same registered team subsequently wins an official qualifying Golden Ticket, subject to verification and championship registration terms.