How SkillStake Works
A complete guide to creating challenges, competing, and earning money with your gaming skills
Joining Challenges
Create Your Own Challenge
- Choose your game, platform (PS5 or Xbox), and set your win conditions
- Set the stake amount based on your tier level (Newbie: £5-£25, up to Legend: Unlimited)
- Get a unique shareable link to send to friends or share on social media
Accept Existing Challenges
- Browse open challenges in your dashboard
- Click on any challenge to view full details including game, platform, and win conditions
- Match the stake amount to accept the challenge
Stakes & Escrow System
How Escrow Protects You
When you create or accept a challenge, your stake is immediately moved from your available balance to locked balance. This ensures both players have committed funds before the match begins.
- Secure Holding: Funds are held in escrow and cannot be withdrawn during active challenges
- Prize Pool: Both stakes combine to form the total prize pool (winner takes all)
- Transparency: View your locked balance breakdown in your wallet at any time
- Automatic Release: Funds are automatically released to the winner once results are verified
The Match Process
Before the Match
- Review the win conditions and ensure you understand how the winner will be determined
- Exchange gaming IDs with your opponent to add each other on PS5/Xbox
- Optional: Add your livestream URL (Twitch/YouTube) to let others watch
During the Match
- Play your game according to the agreed rules and win conditions
- Take screenshots of final scores or victory screens as proof
- Livestreaming is encouraged for transparency and to attract spectators
Result Reporting & Verification
Dual Reporting System
Both players must independently report the match result and upload proof. This creates transparency and reduces fraud.
- Upload Proof: Each player uploads a screenshot showing the match result
- Declare Winner: Select who won the challenge from your perspective
- Automatic Verification: If both reports agree, the challenge auto-settles immediately
- Conflict Detection: If reports disagree, the challenge enters dispute status
Instant Payouts
When Results Match
When both players agree on the winner, the payout is instant and automatic.
- Full prize pool (both stakes) is immediately unlocked and transferred to the winner
- Funds move from locked balance to available balance instantly
- Winner can withdraw to bank account or crypto wallet immediately
- Your tier rank is automatically updated based on wins/losses
- Generate a shareable social media card to showcase your win
Platform Fee: SkillStake charges a 5% commission on winnings to maintain the platform, provide customer support, and ensure security. This fee is automatically deducted from the prize pool.
Disputes & Fairness System
What Happens When Players Disagree
If match reports conflict, the challenge enters dispute status and requires manual resolution.
- Evidence Review: Both players' proof images are displayed side-by-side
- Player Resolution: Either player can resolve by awarding the win or issuing a refund
- Admin Intervention: If unresolved, admins review evidence and make final decision
- Refund Option: In unclear situations, both players can receive their original stakes back
Anti-Cheat Policy
- All match results require photographic proof to prevent false claims
- Dual reporting system catches attempts to misreport outcomes
- Admins track dispute patterns and can ban repeat offenders
- Livestreaming adds transparency and deters fraudulent behavior
- Users caught cheating or manipulating results face permanent bans