Participation in any Sub-Region (e.g. in DreamHack SC2 Masters) is allowed for citizens of countries belonging to that Sub-Region and to players who have permanent residency in such country (i.e. being legally qualified for permanent residency in such country and having lived in such country for at least one year at the time of the first match of the competition). If a player not fulfilling these requirements can clearly prove their permanent residency in an eligible country otherwise, ESL may grant an exception. This will usually only happen in cases where the player has no other chance to take part in competitions leading into the Masters Championship.