Paradigm CTF Challenge Official Rules

IMPORTANT NOTICE: THESE OFFICIAL RULES CONTAIN A BINDING ARBITRATION PROVISION AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER (SECTION 16) THAT AFFECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY.

NO ENTRY FEE IS REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN OR SUBMIT SOLUTIONS FOR THE TEN (10) PRIZE-BEARING CTF PUZZLES. K4 SUBMISSIONS MAY REQUIRE PAYMENT OF A $1 SUBMISSION FEE THROUGH STRIPE OR ANOTHER PAYMENT METHOD OR PAYMENT PROCESSOR DESIGNATED BY SPONSOR. NO PRIZE WILL BE AWARDED FOR K4 UNLESS SPONSOR EXPRESSLY STATES OTHERWISE. THIS CONTEST IS A SKILL-BASED CRYPTOGRAPHY PUZZLE CONTEST. WINNERS WILL BE DETERMINED BASED ON OBJECTIVE SKILL-BASED PERFORMANCE, AS DESCRIBED IN THESE OFFICIAL RULES, AND NOT BY RANDOM DRAWING OR CHANCE. ONE OR MORE CHALLENGE PRIZES MAY BE AWARDED, AS DESCRIBED IN THESE OFFICIAL RULES. THIS CONTEST IS SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAW AND IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. PARTICIPATION IN THE CONTEST CONSTITUTES FULL AND UNCONDITIONAL AGREEMENT TO THESE OFFICIAL RULES.

1. CONTEST. Welcome to the CTF Challenge (the “Contest”), sponsored by Paradigm Operations LP (the “Sponsor”). The Contest is a skill-based cryptography puzzle challenge in which eligible participants compete by solving cryptography puzzles in accordance with these Official Rules and any applicable Contest-related materials. No entry fee is required to participate in or submit solutions for the ten (10) prize-bearing CTF puzzles. K4 submissions may require payment of a $1 submission fee through Stripe or another payment method or payment processor designated by Sponsor, but no prize will be awarded for K4 unless Sponsor expressly states otherwise.

The Contest is expected to consist of ten (10) independent prize-bearing CTF puzzles or cryptography challenges, each of which may be treated as a separate competition with its own scoring, leaderboard, verification, and winner-determination mechanics, as further described in these Official Rules or other Contest-related materials. The Contest may also include K4 as a separate, non-prize challenge or submission opportunity. One or more prizes may be awarded in connection with the Contest, including challenge prizes, as described in these Official Rules. Winners will be determined based on objective skill-based puzzle performance, and not by random drawing or chance.

2. SPONSOR. The sponsor of this Contest is Paradigm Operations LP (“Sponsor”).

3. CONTEST PERIOD. The Contest begins when Sponsor announces that the Contest is open on or about the morning of Friday, June 12, 2026, and will continue until the earlier of: (i) all ten (10) prize-bearing CTF puzzles or challenges have been solved, as determined by Sponsor; (ii) Sponsor announces that the Contest has ended; or (iii) such other date or time as Sponsor may designate in accordance with these Official Rules or applicable Contest-related materials (the “Contest Period”). Entries, submissions, K4 submission-fee payments, if applicable, and other participation materials must be completed and received during the Contest Period in accordance with these Official Rules to be eligible.

Certain portions of the Contest, including puzzle access, answer submission, K4 submission-fee payment, scoring, leaderboard display, verification of results, challenge-specific prize determination, winner notification, prize-claim procedures, may open, close, or conclude at different times during or after the Contest Period.

Sponsor reserves the right, in its discretion, to modify the timing, structure, challenges, phases, scoring mechanics, leaderboard mechanics, or other aspects of the Contest, including the start time, end time, puzzle release time, submission deadline, scoring period, verification period, prize-claim period, K4 submission-fee payment timing, or challenge-specific timing, as necessary to address technical issues, maintain fairness, preserve the skill-based nature of the Contest, or otherwise ensure the intended operation and integrity of the Contest. Any such changes will be communicated by Sponsor in its discretion. Sponsor’s clock, judging-system records, leaderboard data, and server-side records are the official records of the Contest.

4. ELIGIBILITY. The Contest is open globally, except where prohibited by law, to individuals of all ages who are able to participate in the Contest in accordance with these Official Rules. If a participant is under eighteen (18) years of age or under the age of majority in the participant’s jurisdiction of residence, the participant may participate only with the permission of a parent or legal guardian. Sponsor may require a parent or legal guardian to review and agree to these Official Rules and Sponsor’s applicable Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, provide consent to the minor’s participation, execute releases or other documentation, and complete or assist with any required eligibility, identity, tax, payment, KYC, sanctions-screening, export-control, publicity/IP, prize-claim, or other verification or fulfillment requirements, including as a condition of participation, continued participation, prize eligibility, or prize fulfillment.

Individuals located in jurisdictions subject to applicable sanctions, export controls, or other legal restrictions, including without limitation Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, and the Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea regions of Ukraine, are not eligible to participate or win.

Participation may be by an individual or team, as permitted by Sponsor and described in applicable Contest-related materials. Each entrant or team must participate using its own account and submission materials and may not enter or submit materials on behalf of any other person or team, except as otherwise permitted by Sponsor in writing. If a team participates, Sponsor may require the team to designate one representative for purposes of Contest communications, winner notification, verification, tax documentation, KYC or identity verification, sanctions or export-control screening, payment information, if applicable, and prize fulfillment. Sponsor is not responsible for any allocation or distribution of a prize among team members.

Employees, officers, directors, agents, and representatives of Sponsor and its parent companies, subsidiaries, and affiliates may participate in the Contest but are not eligible to win any prize. In addition, employees, officers, directors, agents, and representatives of any agencies, vendors, payment processors, platform providers, or other entities involved in the development, administration, scoring, verification, promotion, or fulfillment of the Contest are not eligible to win any prize. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify from prize eligibility any person whose participation or access to non-public Contest information could compromise, or reasonably appear to compromise, the fairness, integrity, or skill-based nature of the Contest.

Sponsor reserves the right, in its discretion, to verify eligibility, identity, age, parental or legal guardian consent, team membership, team representative authority, account ownership, K4 submission-fee payment status, if applicable, sanctions/export-control status, and compliance with these Official Rules, and to disqualify any participant or team that does not meet the eligibility requirements set forth in these Official Rules or that violates these Official Rules.

5. ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICIAL RULES AND TERMS. By entering, submitting any solution or other materials, paying any K4 submission fee, or otherwise participating in the Contest, each participant agrees to be bound by these Official Rules and by the decisions of Sponsor, which are final and binding in all respects. Participants also agree to review and comply with Sponsor’s applicable terms and policies, including its Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which are incorporated by reference. Sponsor may require participants to affirmatively agree to these Official Rules and Sponsor’s applicable Terms of Use and Privacy Policy before entry, K4 submission-fee payment, puzzle access, account creation, submission, or other participation in the Contest.

If a participant is under eighteen (18) years of age or under the age of majority in the participant’s jurisdiction of residence, the participant represents that the participant has permission from a parent or legal guardian to participate in the Contest. Sponsor may require a parent or legal guardian to review and agree to these Official Rules and Sponsor’s applicable Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, provide consent, execute releases or other documentation, and complete or assist with any required verification, tax, KYC, sanctions-screening, export-control, payment, publicity/IP, or prize-fulfillment steps before or after entry, including before any prize is awarded.

If a participant participates as part of a team, the participant represents and warrants that the participant is authorized to participate on behalf of the team and, if applicable, that any designated team representative has authority to communicate with Sponsor, provide information, complete verification, accept notices, submit materials, and receive any prize on behalf of the team, subject to these Official Rules.

These Official Rules govern the Contest, including entry, participation, scoring, winner determination, prize award, K4 submission-fee payment, if applicable, and any Contest-related submissions. These Official Rules do not govern Sponsor’s websites, services, or platforms generally, which are governed by their own terms. Disputes arising out of or related to the Contest will be governed exclusively by Section 16 of these Official Rules.

In the event of a conflict between these Official Rules and Sponsor’s Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, platform terms, puzzle instructions, FAQs, promotional materials, or any instructions or interpretations of these Official Rules given by an employee or agent of Sponsor regarding the Contest, these Official Rules shall prevail, govern, and control with respect to the Contest. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between these Official Rules and any disclosures or other statements contained in Contest-related materials, these Official Rules shall prevail and control.

6. HOW TO PARTICIPATE. To participate in the Contest, eligible individuals or teams must, during the Contest Period: (i) visit http://paradigm.xyz/kryptos-ctf; (ii) create or log into an account, if required; (iii) provide an X (formerly Twitter) account, username, handle, team name, email address, or other information requested by Sponsor in connection with participation in the Contest; (iv) review and agree to these Official Rules and Sponsor’s applicable Terms of Use and Privacy Policy; and (v) access and submit a solution to one or more cryptography puzzles or challenges in accordance with the instructions, specifications, deadlines, and technical requirements provided by Sponsor. No entry fee is required to participate in or submit solutions for the ten (10) prize-bearing CTF puzzles.

Sponsor may permit participants to participate or appear on leaderboards using a username, handle, team name, or other account identifier, but Sponsor may require a valid email address, legal name, identity verification information, tax documentation, payment information, parent or legal guardian documentation, and other information before awarding any prize.

If a participant or team submits to K4, the participant or team must pay the required $1 K4 submission fee through Stripe or another payment method or payment processor designated by Sponsor and complete any related payment steps required by Sponsor. Payment of the $1 K4 submission fee does not guarantee eligibility to participate in the Contest, eligibility to win any prize, leaderboard placement, or any other benefit. K4 is not prize-bearing unless Sponsor expressly states otherwise in applicable Contest-related materials. A K4 submission will not be complete unless and until Sponsor receives confirmation that the applicable $1 K4 submission fee has been successfully processed through Stripe or another payment method or payment processor designated by Sponsor and the participant or team has satisfied all other applicable K4 submission requirements.

Except as otherwise determined by Sponsor or required by applicable law, the K4 submission fee is non-refundable, including if a participant or team fails to submit a complete, timely, valid, verified, and compliant K4 submission, is disqualified, or is otherwise determined to be ineligible. If a K4 submission-fee payment is reversed, charged back, refunded, declined, or otherwise invalidated, Sponsor may void the associated K4 submission and disqualify the participant or team from K4-related participation.

Participants and teams may submit multiple solutions and solve attempts during the Contest Period, subject to any limitations stated in these Official Rules or Contest-related materials. Brute force solving, use of AI tools, scripts, automated tools, or other solving techniques is permitted, provided that participants and teams comply with these Official Rules and do not compromise, attack, disrupt, overload, or gain unauthorized access to Sponsor’s systems, platforms, websites, servers, networks, payment systems, puzzle infrastructure, or other infrastructure used in connection with the Contest, or obtain any answer, flag, secret, solution, or other Contest-related information through unauthorized access, exploits, vulnerability testing, credential misuse, circumvention of access controls, system compromise, or other improper means. For each applicable prize-bearing challenge, only a participant’s or team’s first valid verified correct solution, as determined by Sponsor based on the applicable scoring and verification mechanics, will be considered for purposes of winner determination for that challenge.

The Contest is a skill-based cryptography puzzle challenge. Participants may be required to submit one or more answers, flags, solutions, proofs, code, writeups, explanations, screenshots, or other materials, as specified by Sponsor. Challenge rankings and leaderboard placement may update in real time following successful verification of a submission by Sponsor’s judging system or other verification mechanisms. Sponsor reserves the right, in its discretion, to determine whether any participation, K4 submission-fee payment, if applicable, submission, solution, or related materials satisfy the requirements for entry, eligibility, scoring, verification, leaderboard placement, and winner determination, including based on data recorded by Sponsor’s systems, platforms, payment processor, server logs, timestamps, judging systems, leaderboard data, or other Contest-related records. For purposes of scoring, leaderboard placement, and winner determination, timestamps shall be recorded at the time a submission is successfully verified by Sponsor’s judging or verification systems, rather than at the time of initial submission or transmission.

Sponsor is not responsible for any technical issues, delays, or failures that may affect participation, K4 submission-fee payment, if applicable, access, connectivity, platform functionality, puzzle availability, leaderboard display, verification, or submission. Participation that is incomplete, untimely, invalid, non-compliant, or determined by Sponsor to involve manipulation, abuse, tampering, unauthorized access, system compromise, attacks, collusion, or other improper conduct may be disqualified.

7. CONSENT TO COMMUNICATIONS. By participating in the Contest, each participant consents to receive communications from Sponsor for purposes of administering the Contest, including without limitation communications regarding entry, K4 submission-fee payment status, if applicable, participation, account status, puzzle access, submissions, scoring, leaderboard placement, results, winner notification, verification, tax documentation, KYC or identity verification, sanctions or export-control screening, payment information, prize claim, and prize fulfillment. Sponsor may contact participants using any contact information associated with their Contest participation, account, K4 submission-fee payment, if applicable, submission, X (formerly Twitter) account, username, handle, team name, email address, or other account identifier, as applicable.

In the event a participant or team is selected as a potential winner, Sponsor may contact the participant, team representative, parent or legal guardian, if applicable, or other contact associated with the applicable participation, account, K4 submission-fee payment, if applicable, submission, email address, X account, username, handle, team name, or other account identifier for additional information, eligibility verification, tax documentation, KYC or identity verification, sanctions or export-control screening, payment information, prize fulfillment, and reasonable promotional or publicity purposes related to the Contest.

Participants may also receive communications from Sponsor about employment, recruiting, grants, projects, research opportunities, newsletter content, or similar opportunities that may be of interest to them, where permitted by Sponsor’s Privacy Policy and applicable law.

8. PRIZE DETAILS AND RELATED TERMS. One or more prizes may be awarded in connection with the Contest based on objective skill-based puzzle performance, as described in Section 9. Each applicable prize-bearing challenge may have its own prize, winner, scoring criteria, and winner-determination mechanics, as described in these Official Rules or other Contest-related materials. Unless otherwise specified by Sponsor, the prize for each applicable prize-bearing challenge consists of $1,000 USD cash (each, a “Challenge Prize,” and collectively, the “Prizes”). The total approximate retail value (“ARV”) of all prizes available in the Contest is up to $10,000 USD.

No prize will be awarded for K4 unless Sponsor expressly states otherwise in applicable Contest-related materials.

If a team is determined to be a challenge winner, Sponsor may award the applicable Prize to a designated team representative identified by the team or otherwise determined by Sponsor in its discretion. Sponsor is not responsible for any allocation or distribution of a Prize among team members.

To the extent applicable, each Prize is awarded as is and without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, except where prohibited by law. Prizes are non-transferable and may not be assigned, sold, or substituted by any winner. Sponsor reserves the right, in its discretion, to substitute any Prize, or any portion thereof, with a prize of equal or greater value if the advertised Prize becomes unavailable or cannot be awarded for any reason.

Each winner is solely responsible for all federal, state, local, and other taxes, fees, costs, and expenses associated with receipt or use of any Prize. Sponsor may require any winner, and if the winner is a minor, the winner’s parent or legal guardian, to complete and return applicable tax forms, identity verification materials, eligibility documentation, sanctions-screening information, KYC or other identity verification materials, payment information, an affidavit of eligibility, liability release, publicity release, parental or legal guardian consent or release, or other documentation as a condition of receiving any Prize. Sponsor may require any winner, and if applicable the winner’s parent or legal guardian, to complete verification through Sponsor or Sponsor’s designated payment processor, identity-verification vendor, or other service provider. Sponsor may deduct and withhold from any Prize any amounts required to be withheld by applicable law, and may issue an IRS Form 1099, IRS Form 1042-S, or other applicable tax forms or reports, as required by applicable law.

Each Prize will be awarded only to a verified eligible winner. If any potential winner is determined to be ineligible, fails to comply with these Official Rules, fails to provide required documentation or complete required verification within the required timeframe, or cannot accept or receive the applicable Prize for any reason, the Prize may be forfeited and awarded to an alternate eligible participant or team in accordance with these Official Rules.

9. SELECTION OF WINNERS. Winners of the Contest will be determined based on objective skill-based puzzle performance, and not by random drawing or chance. Subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with these Official Rules, each applicable prize-bearing challenge winner will be the eligible participant or team that first submits a valid verified correct solution for the applicable prize-bearing challenge during the Contest Period, as determined by Sponsor based on the applicable puzzle instructions, scoring criteria, platform data, server logs, timestamps, judging-system verification records, submissions, and other Contest-related records. Rankings and leaderboard placement may update in real time following successful verification of a submission.

No prize will be awarded for K4 unless Sponsor expressly states otherwise in applicable Contest-related materials. Sponsor may, in its discretion, permit K4 to remain playable, solvable, scorable, visible on a leaderboard, or otherwise included in the Contest for non-prize purposes, including participation, leaderboard, recruiting, research, or other Contest-related purposes. K4 submissions may require payment of a $1 K4 submission fee through Stripe or another payment method or payment processor designated by Sponsor, as described in Section 6.

Sponsor reserves the right to review, verify, and adjust results before final determination of any winner to address technical issues, scoring errors, unauthorized access, system compromise, attacks, exploits, tampering, manipulation, abuse, collusion, or other integrity concerns. For the avoidance of doubt, permitted brute force solving, use of AI tools, scripts, automated tools, or other solving techniques, standing alone, will not be grounds for disqualification; however, any participant or team may be disqualified for conduct that violates these Official Rules, including unauthorized access, system compromise, attacks, exploits, credential misuse, circumvention of access controls, or obtaining any answer, flag, secret, solution, or other Contest-related information through improper means. Sponsor may require a participant or team to provide additional information, explanation, code, proof, writeup, or other materials reasonably necessary to verify the participant’s or team’s solution, eligibility, compliance with these Official Rules, or qualification as a potential winner.

In the event of a tie, including simultaneous submissions within the same second, Sponsor may review server-side logs, verification records, timestamps, leaderboard data, and other Contest-related records to determine the final order of valid verified submissions or leaderboard ranking. For purposes of scoring, leaderboard placement, and winner determination, timestamps shall be recorded at the time a submission is successfully verified by Sponsor’s judging or verification systems, rather than at the time of initial submission or transmission. Under no circumstances will any winner be selected by random drawing.

All decisions regarding scoring, rankings, verification, tie-breakers, leaderboard display or placement, and winner determination are final and binding, subject to Sponsor’s discretion and these Official Rules. Sponsor reserves the right, in its discretion, to interpret and apply the rules, criteria, and mechanics of the Contest and to resolve any disputes or ambiguities in a manner consistent with the skill-based nature and integrity of the Contest. Sponsor reserves the right not to award any Challenge Prize if, in its discretion, it determines that no eligible participant or team has submitted a complete, correct, valid, verified, and compliant solution, or otherwise satisfied the requirements to win the applicable Prize.

10. NOTIFICATION TO WINNERS. Sponsor will attempt to notify each potential challenge winner using the contact information associated with the applicable participant’s or team’s Contest participation, account, K4 submission-fee payment, if applicable, submission, email address, X (formerly Twitter) account, username, handle, team name, designated team representative, or other account identifier, as applicable (the “Notification”). Sponsor expects to announce or notify potential winners during the week of June 15, 2026, and may make such announcements or notifications by or around June 19, 2026, or at such other time as Sponsor determines in its discretion based on scoring, verification, Contest administration, or other Contest-related considerations.

A potential winner may be required to confirm acceptance of the applicable Prize and provide any requested information or documentation within thirty (30) days after Notification, announcement, or such other timeframe specified by Sponsor. A potential winner may be required to complete and return an affidavit of eligibility, liability release, publicity release where permitted by law, tax forms, identity verification materials, KYC or other identity verification materials, sanctions or export-control screening information, payment information, parental or legal guardian consent, release, or documentation, if applicable, and/or any other documentation requested by Sponsor (collectively, the “Required Documents”) within the timeframe specified by Sponsor. Sponsor may require a potential winner to complete verification through Sponsor or Sponsor’s designated payment processor, identity-verification vendor, or other service provider. Sponsor may also require additional proof, code, writeups, explanations, or other materials reasonably necessary to verify the validity of a participant’s or team’s solution or submission.

If a potential winner is a team, Sponsor may require the designated team representative, and may require one or more additional team members, to complete Required Documents, tax documentation, KYC or identity verification, sanctions or export-control screening, payment information, releases, parental or legal guardian documentation, if applicable, or other documentation requested by Sponsor. Sponsor is not responsible for any allocation or distribution of any Prize among team members.

Failure to comply with any Notification, to confirm acceptance of any Prize, to complete and return any Required Documents, to verify eligibility, identity, team membership, team representative authority, K4 submission-fee payment status, if applicable, sanctions or export-control status, the validity of the participant’s or team’s solution or submission, or compliance with these Official Rules within the required timeframe may result in disqualification and forfeiture of the applicable Prize.

Except where prohibited by law, acceptance of any Prize constitutes the winner’s consent to Sponsor’s use of such winner’s name, username, handle, likeness, biographical information, prize information, leaderboard information, challenge results, and/or submitted materials for advertising, promotional, publicity, and Contest-related purposes in any media, without further compensation. If a winner is a minor, Sponsor may require a parent or legal guardian to provide any consent, release, or documentation required by Sponsor before using such winner’s name, username, handle, likeness, biographical information, prize information, leaderboard information, challenge results, and/or submitted materials or awarding any Prize.

If a potential winner cannot be contacted, fails to respond within the required timeframe, fails to complete any Required Documents, fails verification, cannot accept or receive the applicable Prize for any reason, or is otherwise determined to be ineligible or non-compliant, the applicable Prize may be forfeited and an alternate potential winner may be selected in accordance with Section 9, in Sponsor’s discretion. Sponsor is not responsible for any inability to contact a potential winner or for any failure by a participant or team to receive Notification due to inaccurate, outdated, incomplete, or unavailable contact information, technical issues, spam filters, account restrictions, platform issues, X/Twitter direct-message settings or restrictions, or any other reason.

11. OTHER CONDITIONS. These Official Rules are final and binding in all respects and are subject to all applicable laws and regulations.

CAUTION AND WARNING: ANY ATTEMPT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE, ATTACK, OVERLOAD, DISRUPT, COMPROMISE, OR GAIN UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO ANY SYSTEMS, PLATFORMS, WEBSITES, SERVERS, NETWORKS, PAYMENT SYSTEMS, PUZZLE INFRASTRUCTURE, OR OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONTEST, OR TO UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION, SECURITY, FAIRNESS, SKILL-BASED NATURE, OR INTEGRITY OF THE CONTEST, IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS. SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES OR OTHER REMEDIES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, PERMITTED BRUTE FORCE SOLVING, USE OF AI TOOLS, SCRIPTS, AUTOMATED TOOLS, OR OTHER SOLVING TECHNIQUES, STANDING ALONE, WILL NOT BE GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION; HOWEVER, ANY ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN AN ANSWER, FLAG, SECRET, SOLUTION, OR OTHER CONTEST-RELATED INFORMATION THROUGH UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS, SYSTEM COMPROMISE, ATTACKS, EXPLOITS, CREDENTIAL MISUSE, CIRCUMVENTION OF ACCESS CONTROLS, OR OTHER IMPROPER MEANS IS PROHIBITED.

1. Right to Modify, Suspend, or Terminate Contest. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify, suspend, terminate, extend, or otherwise end the Contest or any portion thereof if, for any reason, the Contest is not capable of running as planned or if any event occurs that, in Sponsor’s discretion, affects the administration, security, fairness, integrity, skill-based nature, or proper conduct of the Contest. Such events may include, without limitation, technical failures, bugs, vulnerabilities, exploits, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, K4 submission-fee payment-processing issues, platform outages, connectivity issues, data loss, submission errors, force majeure events, all prize-bearing challenges being solved, Sponsor’s decision to end the Contest, or any other causes beyond Sponsor’s control or otherwise affecting the intended operation of the Contest.

In the event of any such modification, suspension, termination, extension, or other change, Sponsor may determine any challenge winner(s) or other potential winner(s), if any, based on eligible, valid, non-suspect participation and available Contest-related data, including submissions, platform data, K4 submission-fee payment records, if applicable, judging-system verification records, server logs, timestamps, leaderboard data, and other records, as determined by Sponsor in its discretion and in a manner consistent with the skill-based nature of the Contest. If the Contest or any portion thereof is terminated, cancelled, suspended, modified, extended, or otherwise unable to be completed as planned, Sponsor may, in its discretion and to the extent feasible, determine any winner from among eligible, valid, non-suspect entries or submissions received before the applicable termination, cancellation, suspension, modification, extension, or other change, or take such other action as Sponsor deems fair and appropriate, subject to applicable law.

2. Right to Disqualify Participants. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any participant or team at any time if Sponsor determines that such participant or team: (i) has violated these Official Rules or any applicable Contest-related instructions or requirements; (ii) has engaged in any conduct that, in Sponsor’s discretion, corrupts or affects the administration, security, fairness, integrity, skill-based nature, scoring, verification, or proper conduct of the Contest; (iii) has used automated means, scripts, bots, multiple accounts, credential sharing, proxy entries, scraping, reverse engineering, exploits, vulnerability testing, denial-of-service activity, rate-limit circumvention, or other methods to manipulate, interfere with, attack, compromise, or gain unauthorized access to Sponsor’s systems, platforms, websites, servers, networks, payment systems, puzzle infrastructure, or other infrastructure used in connection with the Contest; (iv) has compromised, attacked, disrupted, overloaded, or gained unauthorized access to Sponsor’s systems, platforms, websites, servers, networks, payment systems, puzzle infrastructure, or other infrastructure used in connection with the Contest, or obtained any answer, flag, secret, solution, or other Contest-related information through unauthorized access, exploits, credential misuse, circumvention of access controls, system compromise, or other improper means; (v) has engaged in collusion, public sharing of answers or hints, or other conduct inconsistent with the intended skill-based nature and permitted participation structure of the Contest; (vi) has acted in an unsportsmanlike, disruptive, abusive, threatening, or harassing manner, or has engaged in conduct intended to disrupt or undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest or to harass or harm any other participant or person; (vii) has submitted incomplete, false, misleading, fraudulent, infringing, non-original, or otherwise non-compliant materials; (viii) has failed K4 submission-fee payment verification, reversed or charged back the K4 submission fee, or otherwise failed to satisfy K4 submission-fee payment requirements, if applicable; (ix) has failed to complete or satisfy any required eligibility, identity, tax, KYC, sanctions-screening, export-control, payment, parental or legal guardian, or other verification requirement; or (x) is otherwise determined by Sponsor, in its discretion, to be ineligible or acting in a manner inconsistent with the spirit or intended operation of the Contest.

Sponsor reserves the right to review submissions, code, proofs, writeups, explanations, metadata, K4 submission-fee payment records, if applicable, platform data, server logs, timestamps, communications, leaderboard data, verification records, and other Contest-related records as reasonably necessary to verify eligibility, compliance, scoring, solution validity, K4 submission-fee payment status, if applicable, prize eligibility, and Contest integrity.

Sponsor reserves the right to conduct identity verification, KYC or other identity verification, sanctions screening, and export-control screening on potential winners to the extent permitted by law. Sponsor may also require parent or legal guardian consent, documentation, or assistance for participants or potential winners who are under eighteen (18) years of age or under the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence. By participating, participants and teams agree to cooperate with any such review or screening and to provide any necessary authorizations or information. Sponsor may disqualify any participant, team, or potential winner based on the results of such review or screening, in its discretion.

12. USE OF DATA. By participating in the Contest, each participant acknowledges and agrees that Sponsor may collect, use, disclose, and otherwise process personal information and Contest-related information provided or generated in connection with the Contest for purposes of administering the Contest, including without limitation to process K4 submission-fee payments through Stripe or another payment method or payment processor designated by Sponsor, if applicable, provide puzzle access, operate challenge and leaderboard functionality, receive and evaluate submissions, verify eligibility and K4 submission-fee payment status, if applicable, determine and verify challenge winners, prevent fraud or other improper conduct, maintain the security and integrity of the Contest, administer judging-system verification and scoring, communicate with participants, conduct or facilitate identity verification, KYC or other identity verification, sanctions screening, export-control screening, tax reporting, payment processing, prize fulfillment, obtain or verify parent or legal guardian consent, documentation, or assistance, where applicable, contact participants regarding recruiting, research, grant, project, newsletter, or similar opportunities where permitted by Sponsor’s Privacy Policy and applicable law, and comply with legal obligations. All personal information collected in connection with the Contest will be handled in accordance with Sponsor’s Privacy Policy. By participating, participants acknowledge that they have reviewed Sponsor’s Privacy Policy.

If a participant or team is selected as a challenge winner, certain information about such winner, such as name, username, handle, team name, city/state or jurisdiction of residence, Prize information, leaderboard information, challenge results, and/or submitted materials, may be included in a publicly available winners list, leaderboard, announcement, or other Contest-related materials or otherwise used in accordance with these Official Rules.

13. OWNERSHIP AND PUBLICITY. As between Sponsor and each participant, participants retain ownership of any original answers, solutions, code, proofs, writeups, explanations, or other materials they create and submit in connection with the Contest, subject to Sponsor’s ownership of the Contest, cryptography puzzles, prompts, instructions, materials, platforms, and other Sponsor-provided content. By participating in the Contest and submitting any answers, solutions, code, proofs, writeups, explanations, or other materials, each participant grants Sponsor and its affiliates a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, review, evaluate, test, analyze, and display such materials as reasonably necessary to administer the Contest, verify submissions and results, determine winners, investigate potential cheating or other improper conduct, fulfill Prizes, and comply with these Official Rules. Sponsor may also review and use that participant’s submitted materials to evaluate whether to contact the participant regarding other opportunities.

Except where prohibited by law, by accepting any Prize, each winner grants Sponsor and its affiliates the right to use the winner’s name, username, handle, team name, likeness, biographical information, prize information, leaderboard information, challenge results, and submitted materials for advertising, promotional, publicity, and Contest-related purposes in any media now known or later developed, without further compensation, notice, review, or approval. If a winner is a minor, Sponsor may require a parent or legal guardian to provide any consent, release, or documentation required by Sponsor before using such winner’s name, username, handle, likeness, biographical information, prize information, leaderboard information, challenge results, or submitted materials or awarding any Prize.

Sponsor may publish, display, excerpt, discuss, or otherwise use any winner’s answers, solutions, code, proofs, writeups, explanations, username, handle, team name, leaderboard placement, challenge results, or other submitted materials in connection with announcing Contest results, explaining the Contest, discussing the cryptography puzzles or challenges, maintaining or displaying Contest leaderboards or solve data, or promoting Sponsor’s contests or related initiatives.

Sponsor shall have no obligation to use, publish, or otherwise exploit any participant materials and shall not incur any liability to the extent it elects not to exercise any rights granted under this Section.

Each participant represents and warrants that any materials submitted in connection with the Contest are original to the participant or that the participant has all rights and permissions necessary to submit such materials and grant the rights described in these Official Rules, and that such materials do not violate any applicable law or infringe, misappropriate, or otherwise violate any third-party rights. If a participant submits materials on behalf of a team, the participant represents and warrants that the participant has all rights, permissions, and authority necessary to submit those materials on behalf of the team and to grant the rights described in these Official Rules.

14. TAXES. Any valuation of Prizes stated in these Official Rules is based on available information at the time of drafting. All federal, state, local, foreign, and other applicable taxes, as well as any costs and expenses associated with the acceptance or use of a Prize not specifically provided for in these Official Rules, are the sole responsibility of the winner. Winners are solely responsible for reporting and paying any applicable taxes associated with any Prize. Sponsor may require any winner, including any designated team representative, and if applicable, any parent or legal guardian, to provide valid identification and a completed and signed IRS Form W-9, IRS Form W-8BEN, or other applicable tax documentation as a condition of receiving a Prize. Sponsor may deduct and withhold from any Prize any amounts required to be withheld by applicable law, and may issue an IRS Form 1099, IRS Form 1042-S, or other applicable tax forms or reports, as required by applicable law. Winners are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of accepting a Prize.

15. RELEASE, INDEMNIFICATION, AND LIMITATION ON LIABILITY. By entering and participating in the Contest, each participant agrees to release and hold harmless Sponsor, its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, divisions, advertising and promotional agencies, payment processors, platform providers, suppliers, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, and agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from and against any and all claims, actions, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, or expenses of any kind, including personal injury, death, or property damage, arising out of or in connection with participation in the Contest, payment of any K4 submission fee, if applicable, any Contest-related activity, any submitted materials, or the acceptance, use, or misuse of any Prize, including any claims based on publicity rights, defamation, or invasion of privacy.

Each participant further agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all liability, claims, losses, damages, injuries, costs, or expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising out of or relating to (i) the participant’s participation in the Contest, including any participation as part of a team; (ii) any K4 submission-fee payment, chargeback, refund request, dispute, or other transaction-related issue associated with the participant’s or team’s K4 submission, if applicable; (iii) any materials, content, code, solution, proof, writeup, explanation, communication, or information provided by the participant in connection with the Contest; (iv) any allegation that the participant’s submitted materials infringe, misappropriate, or otherwise violate any third-party rights; (v) any unauthorized access, system compromise, unauthorized automation, tampering, attack, exploit, abuse, or other improper conduct by the participant; or (vi) any breach or alleged breach by the participant of these Official Rules or of any representation, warranty, or obligation under these Official Rules.

The Released Parties are not responsible or liable for any incorrect or inaccurate information related to participation in the Contest, and assume no responsibility for: (i) any error, omission, interruption, defect, or delay in operation, connectivity, K4 submission-fee payment processing, if applicable, access, or transmission at any website, platform, payment processor, network, server, or other infrastructure used in connection with the Contest; (ii) any failure of K4 submission-fee payments, if applicable, entries, submissions, participation data, scores, leaderboard data, timestamps, logs, or other information to be received, recorded, processed, verified, or displayed by Sponsor due to technical, mechanical, electronic, payment-processing, or human error, or Internet or platform traffic congestion; (iii) communications line, hardware, software, platform, payment-processing, or other technical failures; (iv) damage to any computer, device, software, data, wallet, account, or other property resulting from or related to participation in the Contest; (v) theft, destruction, tampering, unauthorized access to, alteration of, or loss of payment information, entries, submissions, participation data, scores, leaderboard data, timestamps, logs, or other Contest-related information; (vi) entries, submissions, scores, leaderboard data, K4 submission-fee payment confirmations, if applicable, email messages, X/Twitter messages, in-platform notices, or other communications related to the Contest that are late, lost, stolen, damaged, delayed, garbled, inaccurate, incomplete, misdirected, undeliverable, or not received; (vii) printing, typographical, or other errors appearing in these Official Rules or in any Contest-related materials; (viii) the administration of the Contest or the processing, scoring, verification, or review of entries, submissions, answers, solutions, or other materials; or (ix) any other errors or problems of any kind relating to the Contest.

Nothing in these Official Rules is intended to limit any rights or remedies that cannot be limited or waived under applicable law.

16. DISPUTE RESOLUTION. MANDATORY ARBITRATION; NO CLASS ACTIONS. PLEASE READ THIS “DISPUTE RESOLUTION” SECTION CAREFULLY, AS IT MAY SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING YOUR RIGHT TO FILE OR PARTICIPATE IN A LAWSUIT FILED IN COURT.

This Section 16 governs the resolution of any claim, dispute, or controversy, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise, that may arise out of, relate to, or be connected in any way with the Contest, participation in the Contest, payment of any K4 submission fee, if applicable, any submission or attempted submission, any Prize, or these Official Rules between (i) each participant (“You” or “Your”) and (ii) Paradigm Operations LP (“Sponsor”) (each, a “Contest Dispute”).

1. Informal Dispute Resolution. The parties agree that before initiating any formal dispute pursuant to the provisions below, we will engage in informal dispute resolution to attempt to resolve any Contest Dispute. Engaging in good-faith negotiations to informally resolve such Contest Dispute shall be a pre-condition to any lawsuit or arbitration. Consequently, if You fail to engage in this process, additional fees could be imposed on You in arbitration.

To adequately engage in this initial dispute-resolution process, each party must notify the other party, in writing, of the facts and circumstances giving rise to the Contest Dispute, including the email address, if any, associated with the participant’s Contest account, entry, K4 submission-fee payment, if applicable, or submission, and all damages claimed. Such a writing must be sent (i) by Sponsor to the email address or other contact information associated with the participant’s Contest account, entry, K4 submission-fee payment, if applicable, or submission, or (ii) by You to legalops@paradigm.xyz, Subject Line: Paradigm Cryptography Contest – Dispute Notification (“Dispute Notification”). Sponsor believes this informal process should facilitate resolution. However, if the parties are unable to satisfactorily resolve the Contest Dispute within forty-five (45) days from receipt by the non-initiating party of the Dispute Notification, then You and Sponsor agree to the dispute resolution provisions below.

Notwithstanding the foregoing 45-day notice requirement, You and Sponsor agree that if the Contest Dispute involves either party’s intellectual property rights or defamation, this informal dispute resolution provision shall not apply and either party may immediately pursue relief in the manner set forth below.

2. Binding Arbitration. If the parties do not reach an agreed-upon solution as a result of the Informal Dispute Resolution provision above, then the parties agree that either party may initiate binding arbitration as the sole means to resolve the Contest Dispute, except as expressly set forth below, subject to these Official Rules and this arbitration agreement. Specifically, all Contest Disputes, including, but not limited to, any claim that all or any part of these Official Rules are void or voidable, whether a claim is subject to arbitration, and any dispute regarding the payment of arbitration fees, including the timing of such payments and remedies for nonpayment, shall be finally settled by binding arbitration.

Thus, except as explicitly set forth in this Section 16, an arbitrator, and not any federal, state, or local court or agency, shall have exclusive authority to resolve all disputes arising out of or relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, or formation of these Official Rules. The parties understand that by entering this agreement to arbitrate, an arbitrator and not a judge or jury will decide the Contest Dispute, and that rights to discovery and appeals may be limited in arbitration. The parties further understand that the costs of arbitration could exceed the costs of litigation in some instances.

YOU HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT BY AGREEING TO THESE OFFICIAL RULES, WHICH INCLUDE THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT, YOU AND SPONSOR ARE EACH WAIVING THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY A JURY TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

This agreement to arbitrate affects interstate commerce and shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (“FAA”), 9 U.S.C. §§ 1 et seq., and applicable federal arbitration law.

1. Arbitration Rules. Any arbitration initiated pursuant to this Section 16 shall be administered by JAMS and conducted before a single arbitrator in accordance with the JAMS Streamlined Arbitration Rules and Procedures, excluding any rules or procedures governing or permitting class or representative actions, and except that each party shall be permitted at least one deposition unless otherwise prohibited by applicable JAMS Rules and Procedures. If twenty-five (25) or more similar arbitration demands are filed against Sponsor by the same party or similar parties represented by the same law firm or law firms acting in coordination (a “Mass Arbitration”), then the JAMS Mass Arbitration Procedures shall apply. The applicable JAMS Rules and Procedures are available at https://www.jamsadr.com/adr-rules-procedures/. If for any reason JAMS is unable to administer the arbitration, either party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint an arbitrator pursuant to 9 U.S.C. § 5.

2. Class Action Waiver. You and Sponsor acknowledge and agree that, to the maximum extent permitted by law, any arbitration shall be conducted in an individual capacity only and not as a class, collective, or other representative action. The arbitrator may award relief only in favor of the individual party seeking relief and only to the extent necessary to resolve that party’s individual claim.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any arbitration involving You may proceed on a consolidated basis only if Sponsor provides its prior written consent to such consolidation.

Notwithstanding any other provision of these Official Rules, disputes regarding the interpretation, applicability, or enforceability of this Class Action Waiver subsection may be resolved only by a court of competent jurisdiction and not by an arbitrator. If there is a final judicial determination that applicable law precludes enforcement of this subsection as to a particular remedy, then that remedy (and only that remedy) shall be severed from the arbitration and may be pursued in court. The parties agree, however, that any adjudication of remedies not subject to arbitration shall be stayed pending the outcome of any arbitrable claims and remedies.

3. Arbitration Location. If the amount in controversy does not exceed $25,000 and does not involve injunctive or declaratory relief, the arbitration shall be conducted solely on the basis of written submissions provided by You and Sponsor to the arbitrator, unless (A) the arbitrator determines that a hearing is necessary or (B) the parties agree otherwise. In such cases, the parties agree to remote participation in any hearing by video or telephone conference.

If the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000 or involves declaratory or injunctive relief, either party may request an arbitration hearing. Any such hearing shall presumptively be conducted by video or telephone conference, unless (A) the arbitrator determines that there is good cause to hold an in-person hearing or (B) the parties agree otherwise. In the event an in-person hearing is required, the location of the hearing shall be determined by mutual agreement of the parties or, if the parties cannot agree, by the arbitrator in accordance with applicable JAMS Rules and Procedures and applicable law.

4. Arbitration Procedures. Any arbitration demand or counterclaim asserted by either party must contain sufficient information to provide fair notice to the other party of the asserting party’s identity, the claims being asserted, and the factual allegations on which the claims are based. The arbitrator and/or JAMS may require amendment of any demand or counterclaim that does not satisfy these requirements.

The arbitrator shall be empowered to grant any relief that would be available in a court under law or in equity. The arbitrator also shall be empowered to impose sanctions in accordance with JAMS Rules and Procedures, including for any frivolous claims or submissions that the arbitrator determines have not been filed in good faith under the standard set forth in Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11, and/or for a party’s failure to comply with any provision or condition of these Official Rules.

Subject to the applicable JAMS Rules and Procedures, the parties agree that the arbitrator will have the discretion to allow the filing of dispositive motions if they are likely to efficiently resolve or narrow issues in dispute.

Unless otherwise prohibited by law, all arbitration proceedings shall be confidential and closed to the public and any persons other than You and Sponsor (and each party’s authorized representatives and agents), and all records relating thereto shall be maintained as confidential, except as necessary to obtain court confirmation of an arbitration award (provided that the party seeking confirmation shall seek to file such records under seal to the extent permitted by law).

5. Arbitrator’s Decision. The arbitrator will render an award within the time frame specified in the applicable JAMS Rules and Procedures and will include the essential findings and conclusions upon which the arbitrator based the award. The arbitrator shall have the authority to award monetary damages on an individual basis only and to grant, on an individual basis, any non-monetary remedy or relief to the extent available under applicable law, the JAMS Rules and Procedures, and these Official Rules.

The parties agree that any damages or other relief awarded, if any, must be consistent with the terms of Section 15 (“Release, Indemnification, and Limitation on Liability”).

The arbitrator’s award shall be written and binding on the parties and may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction. No individual arbitration award or decision will have any preclusive effect as to issues or claims in any dispute with any person who is not a named party to the arbitration.

6. Fees. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, the JAMS Rules and Procedures will govern the amount that You and Sponsor must pay to JAMS for arbitration fees, including with respect to any fee waivers. However, if the arbitrator determines that Your claim(s) are frivolous or were asserted in bad faith, You agree that You may be required to reimburse Sponsor for arbitration fees (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by Sponsor in defending against such claim(s).

The parties further agree that JAMS has the discretion to modify the amount or timing of any administrative or arbitration fees due under the JAMS Rules and Procedures where it deems appropriate, provided that such modification does not increase the costs to You, and You waive any objection to such fee modification. The parties also agree that a good-faith challenge by either party to the fees imposed by JAMS does not constitute a default, waiver, or breach of this Section 16 while such challenge remains pending before JAMS, the arbitrator, and/or a court of competent jurisdiction, as applicable.

Each party shall be responsible for its own attorneys’ fees, except as otherwise provided in these Official Rules, the JAMS Rules and Procedures, or applicable law. Sponsor will not seek attorneys’ fees or arbitration costs from You in connection with claims You bring, unless the arbitrator determines that such claims are frivolous or that You have engaged in conduct that is sanctionable under the JAMS Rules and Procedures or Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11. Sponsor may seek attorneys’ fees and costs as permitted under these Official Rules, the JAMS Rules and Procedures, and applicable law for claims it brings against You.

7. Time to File. Any claim must be commenced by filing a demand for arbitration within one (1) year after the date the party asserting the claim first knew or reasonably should have known of the act, omission, or default giving rise to the claim. If applicable law prohibits a one (1) year limitation period, the claim must be asserted within the shortest time period permitted by applicable law.

3. Exceptions to Arbitration – Litigation of Intellectual Property and Small Claims Court Claims. Notwithstanding the parties’ agreement to resolve all Contest Disputes through arbitration, either party may bring an action in state or federal court (subject to these Official Rules, including the “Choice of Law/Venue” section below) to protect its intellectual property rights (“intellectual property rights” means patents, copyrights, moral rights, trademarks, and trade secrets, but not privacy or publicity rights). Either party may also elect to have Contest Disputes resolved in a small claims court if and to the extent such disputes fall within the jurisdiction of that court. Either party may also seek a declaratory judgment or other equitable relief in a court of competent jurisdiction regarding whether a party’s claims are time-barred or may be brought in small claims court in the applicable jurisdiction of the participant’s residence. Seeking such relief shall not waive either party’s right to arbitration under this agreement.

4. Choice of Law/Venue. Except to the extent preempted by federal law, You agree that all Contest Disputes, whether in arbitration or litigation (if excluded from arbitration under these Official Rules or otherwise non-arbitrable), shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, excluding its conflicts of law principles. You further agree that, solely to the extent any Contest Dispute is not resolved pursuant to the arbitration provisions in these Official Rules—including any arbitration-related litigation such as a motion to compel arbitration, to stay proceedings pending arbitration, or to confirm, modify, vacate, or enforce an arbitration award—such dispute shall be resolved exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction, federal or state (including small claims court), located in San Francisco, California, and in no other forum. You consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts and agree to accept service of process from them to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

5. 30-Day Right to Opt Out. You have the right to opt out of the arbitration and class action waiver provisions set forth in this Section 16 by sending written notice of Your decision to opt out by mail to 548 Market Street, Suite 46425, San Francisco, CA 94104, Attn: Legal Department, or by email to legalops@paradigm.xyz. The notice must be sent within thirty (30) days of the date these Official Rules become effective or Your first participation in the Contest, whichever occurs later. If You do not timely opt out, You shall be bound to arbitrate disputes in accordance with the terms of this Section 16. If You opt out of these arbitration provisions, Sponsor also will not be bound by them. However, even if You opt out of arbitration, You will continue to be bound by the remaining dispute resolution provisions set forth in this Section 16 to the extent applicable.

6. Changes to this Section. Sponsor will provide at least thirty (30) days’ notice of any material changes to this Section 16. Any such changes will become effective thirty (30) days after such notice is provided to participants and will apply to all claims not yet filed, to the extent permitted by applicable law. If Sponsor modifies this Dispute Resolution section after the date You first accepted these Official Rules (or any subsequent updates), Your continued participation in the Contest more than fifteen (15) days after such changes become effective will constitute Your acceptance of those changes.

17. NO THIRD-PARTY SPONSOR. This Contest is sponsored solely by Sponsor and is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by any social media platform or other third-party service on which the Contest may be promoted, accessed, discussed, or administered, including, without limitation, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Discord, GitHub, and any other third-party platform or service identified in Contest-related materials. Stripe or another payment method or payment processor designated by Sponsor may be used to process K4 submission-fee payments, if applicable, but no such payment processor is a sponsor of the Contest.

By participating in the Contest, each participant agrees to release and hold harmless Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Discord, GitHub, Stripe, any other payment processor designated by Sponsor, and any other third-party platform or service on which the Contest is promoted, accessed, discussed, administered, or through which any K4 submission-fee payment is processed, if applicable, from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, or causes of action arising out of or relating to participation in the Contest or the acceptance, use, or misuse of any Prize.

Participants acknowledge that any information provided in connection with the Contest is provided to Sponsor or Sponsor’s service providers for Contest-related purposes, and not to any social media platform on which the Contest is merely promoted. If participants provide information directly to Stripe, another payment processor designated by Sponsor, GitHub, Discord, or another third-party service, that information may also be subject to that third party’s terms and privacy disclosures.

The Contest and all accompanying materials are the property of Paradigm Operations LP and are © 2026 Paradigm Operations LP.