DNQ

DNQ, commonly used in competitive gaming and esports contexts, stands for "Did Not Qualify." The term is applied to participants who fail to meet the criteria necessary to advance to the next stage of a tournament or competition. This can occur in various formats, including single-elimination brackets, group stages, or qualification rounds, where only a limited number of players or teams are permitted to proceed.

In single-elimination tournaments, DNQ often results from a loss in the initial rounds, as there is no opportunity for a second chance. In group-stage formats, such as round-robin or league play, DNQ may occur when a player or team finishes outside the top positions that earn automatic qualification for the next phase. Qualification rounds, which serve as preliminary stages to determine final participants, may also result in DNQ for those who do not perform sufficiently well.

The term is widely recognized in games like *League of Legends*, *Counter-Strike: Global Offensive*, *Dota 2*, and *Valorant*, where competitive scenes rely heavily on structured qualification processes. DNQ can also apply to broader contexts, such as academic or professional competitions, though it is most frequently associated with esports. Players and teams often analyze DNQ outcomes to identify areas for improvement, as they may represent missed opportunities to advance further in the competition.