Introduction 1h39g

Newspaper Cup (NPC) is a mapping contest with a long history of ing and promoting novice mappers. NPC 2025 is the 11th occurrence of this annual event. Starting this year, NPC will be exclusive for "Novice Mappers" that meet the novice requirements detailed below. Please our official Discord group for latest updates.

Rules i4j6q

Submission site:

1. Newspaper Cup 2025 contest listing

General Rules:

1. This contest is for the osu! mode only.
2. Your submission must be a `.osz` file exported from the osu! in-game editor. You must submit at the designated submission site.
3. Your submission should comply with the [Ranking Criteria](https://osu-ppy-sh.jeuxcrack.net/wiki/en/Ranking_criteria), except for those that cannot apply (e.g., Spread Requirements).
4. Your submission should not contain information that reveals your identity.
5. You must complete your submission independently. Do not or share your submission with others before the results announcement.
6. Beatmaps made by generative artificial intelligence are not allowed.
7. You are allowed to use custom hitsounds and custom combo colors. However, you are not allowed to add backgrounds, videos, or storyboards.
8. Do not modify metadata such as Title and Artist.
9. You are required to finish one and only one difficulty in your submission.

Novice Mapper Eligibility (NPC 2025 is exclusive for novice mappers):

1. You must have ed osu! before 2024-12-01.
2. You are not a winner of other osu! mode mapping contests (e.g., PDC, NPC, MBC, oBWC, etc.). (Cut-off date is 2025-01-01)
3. You have never been a member of mapping-related groups (NAT, QAT, BAT, MAT, BN, etc.) in the osu! mode.
4. The total drain time of your ranked Insane (and above) difficulties before 2025-01-01 must be below 5 minutes. Collab difficulties are counted by corresponding sections mapped.
5. Throughout the contest, the hosts may inspect if you qualify for novice status.

Songs 3m2m47

1. You are free to choose any track listed in the featured artist library. Reasonable cutting is allowed.

Judging 2d332e

Judging criteria:

1. Expertise (50%): Expertise refers to how well the map reflects the music elements, with an emphasis on music reflection, pattern/rhythm consistency, coherence, and playability. As NPC is for novice mappers, judges will focus more on solid fundamental execution as the very first objective.
2. Creativity (35%): Creativity refers to how the map stands out compared to current mapping trends and other submissions to this NPC. Generic maps or copy-paste concepts are discouraged. Creativity built on top of solid expertise is more than important as well.
3. Judge's Impression (15%): Judges can award or deduct points based on specific noteworthy aspects as they deem appropriate, such as outstanding sections and hitsounds or vice versa.

1. Judging scores will be standardized.
2. Submissions are anonymous to judges.

Prize (Tentative) 591c55

Badge

1. If participation exceeds 16 contestants, the first-place winner will receive a badge (pending design and approval).

osu!er and Cash Prizes

1. 1st place: 12 months of osu!er + USD $50
2. 2nd place: 12 months of osu!er + USD $30
3. 3rd place: 6 months of osu!er
4. 4th and 5th place: 4 months of osu!er.
5. More prizes may be added if participation is high.

Lucky Draw

1. One lucky contestant from all qualified non-prize winners will receive 1 month of osu!er or (Discord Nitro).
2. For every 10 qualified contestants, one additional lucky winner (up to 5) will be drawn.

Schedule (Tentative) 7046i

1. Announcement: 2025-01-29
2. Beatmapping: 2025-01-29 to 2025-03-09 (23:59 UTC)
3. Judging: 2025-03-09 to 2025-04-07
4. Results: 2025-04-13

Organizing Committee 2p5k4

1. Hosts: Mafumafu | Fycho | Atrue
2. Judges: Pata-Mon | momoyo | Dada | -kevincela- | Alty | Satellite | seros | Luval
3. Sponsors: Mafumafu | TtmNzk
4. GFX: kaetwo