> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://layer3xyz.gitbook.io/layer3-updated-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://layer3xyz.gitbook.io/layer3-updated-docs/arena-telegram/hosting-a-competition.md).

# Hosting a competition

Bring the bot into your group and run the show. Hosting commands are for **group admins**.

## 1. Add the bot to your group

1. Add [**@Layer3TradeBot**](https://t.me/Layer3TradeBot) to your Telegram group.
2. Make it an **admin** and grant:
   * **Pin messages** — so the live leaderboard and results stay pinned at the top.
   * **Delete messages** *(optional)* — lets the bot clean up old leaderboard cards.

{% hint style="info" %}
The bot works without these, but pinning the leaderboard makes for a much better competition. Grant **Pin messages** if you can.
{% endhint %}

## 2. Start a competition

Run `/comp` in the group. The bot walks you through the setup:

| Setting         | What it controls                                   |
| --------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| **Buy-in**      | What each player pays to enter (USDC)              |
| **Players**     | How many seats the competition has                 |
| **Duration**    | How long trading runs once it's live               |
| **Prize split** | Winner-take-all, or split across the top finishers |

Confirm, and the bot posts a **join card** in the group. Players can start buying in.

## 3. Run the competition

While the competition is **filling**:

| Command       | What it does                                                            |
| ------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `/resize <N>` | Change the player cap. If it fills exactly, the competition starts.     |
| `/nudge`      | DM players who joined but haven't paid (5-minute cooldown).             |
| `/cancel`     | Cancel the competition and refund everyone who paid (two-step confirm). |
| `/fee`        | Lower the creator fee while filling (creator only).                     |

While the competition is **live**, if something goes sideways:

| Command              | What it does                                         |
| -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| `/extend <duration>` | Add time to the trading window.                      |
| `/rescue`            | Force a refund on a competition stuck in settlement. |

## 4. Creator fee

You can set a small **creator fee** — a slice of the prize pool, capped at 10% — when you create a competition. You can only ever **lower** it afterward with `/fee`, never raise it. So players always get what they signed up for, or better.

## Host checklist

1. Bot added as an **admin** (with **Pin messages**).
2. `/comp` run — buy-in, players, duration, and split set.
3. Join card posted, players buying in.
4. `/nudge` to round up stragglers.
5. Competition fills → goes live → settles → winner paid. 🎉

{% content-ref url="/pages/62fphKSxu91XQuPpQSWx" %}
[Command reference](/layer3-updated-docs/arena-telegram/command-reference.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}