How Showdown Works

Showdown has three main layers:

Product experience: the web app where users sign in, connect accounts, join events, and view match state.
Game and backend services: services that create matches, manage tournament records, run lobbies, and verify results.
Settlement layer: Solana programs and relay services that manage escrow, refunds, finalization, and prize claims for supported on-chain events.

The Basic Flow

flowchart TD
  A["Player signs in"] --> B["Connects game identity and wallet"]
  B --> C["Chooses a duel or tournament"]
  C --> D["Pays entry fee or joins sponsored event"]
  D --> E["Match or bracket starts"]
  E --> F["Game result is verified"]
  F --> G["Event is finalized"]
  G --> H["Winner claims reward or receives settlement"]

What Happens When You Join

The exact flow depends on the event type.

For free or sponsored events, the organizer or sponsor may fund the prize pool. Players may still need to connect a wallet or game identity so the system can verify participation and distribute rewards.

For entry-fee events, the player pays an entry fee before being seated. In Solana-backed events, the entry fee is held in escrow until the event resolves or becomes refundable.

For hybrid events, the prize pool can include both:

A sponsored amount funded by the organizer or sponsor
Entry fees paid by players

What Happens When A Match Starts

Showdown prepares the match or tournament lobby. For CS2, this can include server information, map data, score state, and a join action. For chess, this can include pairings, rounds, rankings, and match links.

What Happens When A Match Ends

Results are verified through game integrations, backend services, and authorized verifier flows. Once a tournament or duel is finalized, the winner can claim rewards according to the event configuration.

What Happens If An Event Cancels

If an event does not meet its start requirements or is cancelled under the rules, eligible users may receive refunds or be able to claim refunds. Refund handling depends on the payment method and event type.