Side Quests Istanbul 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an age limit to participate in the competition?
A: The competition is open to everyone; there is no age limit.

Q: What are the requirements to participate?
A: There are practically no requirements. As long as you know how to solve at least one of the official events held at the competition, you can compete -- it doesn't matter how long it takes you to solve it.

Q: I don't know the competition rules, how and where can I learn them?
A: You can read the official WCA Regulations. Additionally, before the competition begins, a tutorial will be held for newcomers covering the rules, the flow of the competition, and how everything works.

Q: What do I need to bring with me to the competition?
A: You only need to bring your own puzzles for the events you are competing in. Equipment such as timers, mats, displays, etc., will already be provided at the venue.

Q: Should we bring our own cubes, or will they be provided at the competition?
A: Everyone must bring their own puzzles; no cubes will be provided for you at the venue. Furthermore, the cubes you bring must be fully functional and free of any distinguishing marks, except for a single brand logo. Bluetooth or electronically assisted smart cubes are strictly prohibited.

Q: What can I do when I am not competing?
A: This is arguably the most enjoyable part of the competition! When it is not your turn, you can chat with other competitors and learn new tips from faster cubers. You can also volunteer as a judge, runner, or scrambler; roles we genuinely rely on help with.

Q: I don't have a WCA ID, how do I get one?
A: A WCA ID will be automatically assigned to your WCA account after your first official competition results are published.

If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to the delegates or organizers listed on the competition page.

ONE spectator per competitor will be allowed to enter the competition venue.

All spectators must follow these rules:

• You may take photos and videos, but flash photography is not allowed.
• Entry to areas reserved for competitors is prohibited.
• Any behavior that disturbs competitors is prohibited.
• Please avoid arguing with competitors, organizers, judges, or Delegates. If you have any concerns, please speak to a Delegate or an organizer.

Anyone who does not follow these rules will be asked to leave the venue.

The competition venue is in Kartal-Atalar, on Minibüs Caddesi (Minibus Street).

Marmaray (Recommended):
Get off at Atalar station on the Marmaray (B1) line, and the venue is less than a 5-minute walk away.

Bus:
Take the 16D bus, which runs along the coastal road between Kadıköy and Pendik, get off at the Trabzonspor stop, and walk about 10 minutes to the venue.
Alternatively, take the 17 or 16A bus, which runs along Minibüs Caddesi between Kadıköy and Pendik, and get off at the Beyaz Köşk stop, right next to the venue.

Minibus/Dolmuş:
You can take any minibus or dolmuş line running between Kadıköy and Pendik along Minibüs Caddesi.

M4 Metro Line (Not Recommended):
The venue is about a 30-minute walk from Hastane-Adliye station. Because the route to the venue is mostly downhill, this can be an option for getting there, but it is strongly discouraged for the return trip.

Photos and videos will be taken at the competition by our volunteers. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please let us know.

Each event is run in groups, depending on how many people are competing in the event depends on how many groups there are. We call each group up one at a time in order to complete their solves during the scheduled time for the round. We have software that automatically picks what groups you are in, the judges, and who scrambles for each group. We always appreciate extra help!

Groups

Groups will be published during the week before the competition on competitiongroups.com.

If the competition reaches its capacity, your registration will be placed on the waiting list. If a registered competitor withdraws before 8:00 PM local time on Monday, November 9, 2026, the next person on the waiting list will be moved to the list of registered competitors.

You can check your position on the waiting list on the Registration page.

If you are registered but will not be able to attend the competition, please let us know as soon as possible using the Contact link so that we can make your spot available to someone on the waiting list.