CHALLENGE The_ CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, The_'s CHALLENGE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

1. 16 players automatically advance to the group stage. This right is granted to absolutely all champions of the current year, in any official personal tournament from HeroesWorld, regardless of the tournament format. The remaining spots are filled based on achievements (rating), with the greatest weight given to recent achievements and awards. These players are determined by the judging panel and tournament organizers.

That is what is written in the regulations. From the last sentence, it should be crystal clear that the selection of the top 16 is a subjective opinion of the 3 organizers. Thus, what darkello wrote is simply a confirmation of the regulations. No one is forcing those who disagree with the regulations into the tournament.

The draw is scheduled for this evening.

By the way, it would be interesting to see what lists our players would compile if they were the organizers of this tournament. So anyone interested can play organizer for now and write their own top 9. Please keep in mind that the tournament is positioned as a Champions League, i.e., your top 9 should include those who have tournament victories.
Since all winners of 2013 who wanted and were able to participate are already included in the top 16, you will apparently have to dig deep into the past, as well as consider not only champions but also prize-winners from 2013.
It is advisable to justify your opinion, i.e., write why you think this particular player deserves to be one of the 16 champions.

We will consider this a rehearsal for the Player of 2013 contest.

Your opinion is very valuable to us, although it will no longer change anything, but as a forecast for this tournament and information for the future, it will be very interesting.