# Closed Alpha Testing Phase #1

The Cortensor Closed Alpha Testing Contest is an exciting opportunity for early supporters to contribute to the development of the decentralized AI network while earning $COR rewards. By participating, you’ll help shape the future of decentralized AI and strengthen the Cortensor ecosystem.

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## Contest Rules

### **Stake Requirement**

* Stake $10 worth of $COR per node on Pool 3 to ensure you are recognized as an early supporter and valued community member.
* Rewards will be sent to the address used to stake. This address **cannot be changed**, and it will serve as the only way to verify and qualify as a participant in the contest.

### **Node Uptime**

* Keep your nodes online and running for at least 30 days to 45 days to qualify for rewards.

### **Bug Reporting**

* Actively communicate with Cortensor admins to report and troubleshoot any issues or bugs encountered during the contest.
* Failure to report bugs may result in disqualification.

### **Disqualification Rights**

* Cortensor reserves the right to disqualify any participant at its sole discretion if behavior or activity is deemed harmful to the network or inconsistent with the contest’s spirit.

### **Long-Term Commitment**

* Maintaining node uptime beyond the contest period increases your chances for future $COR airdrops during the devnet, testnet, and mainnet phases.

### **Detailed Guidelines**

* Additional rules and guidelines will be available in the Cortensor Discord. Join to stay updated!

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## Rewards

| **Rank**  | **Total Reward** | **On the Spot** | **Staked on Pool 1** |
| --------- | ---------------- | --------------- | -------------------- |
| 🥇 1st    | $2,500           | $1000           | $1500 (28-day lock)  |
| 🥈 2nd    | $1000            | $400            | $600 (28-day lock)   |
| 🥉 3rd    | $400             | $200            | $200 (28-day lock)   |
| 🏅 4th    | $200             | $100            | $100 (28-day lock)   |
| 🎖️ 5th   | $100             | $100            | -                    |
| 6th–10th  | $50 each         | $50             | -                    |
| 11th-20th | $35 each         | $35             | -                    |
| 21th-30th | $20 each         | $20             |                      |

<mark style="color:red;">**Note: Rewards will be sent to the address used to stake. This address cannot be changed, and it will serve as the only way to verify and qualify as a participant in the contest.**</mark>

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## Contest Mechanics

### **Max Nodes Per User**

* Participants can operate up to 10 nodes each.

### **Winner Determination**

* Winners will be judged based on:
  1. **Active Nodes:** The number of active nodes maintained during the contest.
  2. **NodeStats Performance:** Reflects the quality and reliability of your contributions to the network.

     * **Ping & Global Ping**: Measures node responsiveness and uptime across the network.
     * **State Metrics**: Tracks performance in Create, Prepare, Precommit, and Commit states.
     * **Counters & Points**: Logs task entries and outcomes to assess reliability and accuracy.

     These metrics ensure fair evaluation and reward meaningful contributions.
  3. **Bug Reporting and Troubleshooting:**&#x20;
     * **Bug Reporting:** Participants must actively report bugs during the testing phase.
     * **Troubleshooting:** Work collaboratively with Cortensor admins to troubleshoot and resolve issues.
     * **Earn Points:** Points will be awarded for identifying and reporting bugs.
     * **Disqualification:** Failure to engage in bug reporting and troubleshooting will result in disqualification.

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## Important Dates

* **Start Date:** Early December 2024. The exact date will be announced soon.

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## Why Participate?

* Earn $COR rewards while helping test the Cortensor ecosystem.
* Gain priority for future airdrops during the devnet, testnet, and mainnet phases.
* Shape the future of decentralized AI and become a pioneer in the Cortensor community.

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## Testing Focus

This phase will test the precursor to Cortensor’s mining software, including:

1. **Cognitive Module:** Orchestrates the mining process through the Proof of Useful Work (PoUW) state machine.
2. **NodeStats Module:** Tracks performance metrics, laying the groundwork for future reputation systems.

Participants will help refine these critical modules to ensure a robust network infrastructure.

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## Join the Contest

* Learn more and stay updated by joining the [Cortensor Discord Community](https://discord.gg/cortensor).

Let’s build the future of decentralized AI together! 🌐