The Rules of War
Clear, transparent, deterministic bidding mechanics. No mystery algorithms.
Money decides the rank.
No upvotes, no engagement farming, no secret algorithms, and no guest judges. Your position on the departures board is determined entirely by your confirmed total bid amount.
Minimum bid is $1 (whole dollars).
All bids start at a minimum of $1 and increment in whole dollars. Minimum upgrade step is $1.
Highest confirmed total bid wins.
You can bid any whole amount above the minimum. Your bid places you wherever that confirmed amount ranks in the global departures board.
Already listed? Pay only the difference.
Launches are uniquely indexed by canonical URL. If your product is already at $20 and you want to reach $50, you only pay the $30 difference.
Ties favor whoever got there first.
If two products have the exact same total bid (e.g. $50), the older confirmed bid stays ranked above the newer one. To pass an opponent, you must bid at least $1 more.
Payment must complete.
Opening checkout does not hold or reserve a spot. Rankings only update after verified payment confirmation from Dodo Payments.
Keep it legitimate.
No pornography, scams, phishing, malware, link shorteners, or messaging invite groups. Violators are removed without refund.
Rankings can change at any moment.
Another founder can place an upgrade bid seconds after you take the top spot. Defend Gate #1 by placing higher bids.
Each bid grants 30 days active visibility.
Every confirmed bid or upgrade keeps your product active on the live departures board for 30 days. Placing any new bid or upgrade resets your 30-day window and boosts your rank.
Guaranteed VIP Sponsor Slots ($49 / 30 Days).
Founders can also claim one of 6 dedicated side sponsor slots for guaranteed top placement for 30 days without competing on the departures board.
Ready to claim Gate #1?
Check in your product and place your bid on the live departures board.
Enter your launch