> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://countertrade.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://countertrade.gitbook.io/docs/battles/watch-a-battle.md).

# Watch a battle

Open a live public room to watch the leaderboard, positions, and chat as a signed-in spectator.

You watch a battle by opening a live public room. There's no separate **Watch** button — a live room shows the broadcast view, with the live leaderboard, each trader's positions, and chat, all updating in real time while the room runs.

## Before you start

* Be signed in. Spectating is for signed-in viewers, and a Google account is enough — you don't need a linked wallet to watch or chat.

## Steps

1. Open Battle Hub and find a battle. See [Join a room](/docs/battles/join-a-room.md).
2. Pick a room marked **Live** and open it. The broadcast view loads.
3. If you're not signed in, you'll see **Sign in to spectate** — "Live spectating is for signed-in viewers." Sign in with Google or your wallet, and you land back on the broadcast.
4. Follow the leaderboard, ranked by ROI. Select a trader's row to spotlight them on the chart and highlight their positions.
5. To chat, type in the composer (placeholder **Say something…**) and select **Send**, or press Enter.

A status chip near the top tells you what you're watching as the room moves through its phases:

* **Watching pre-show** before the room starts.
* **Watching live** while it's running.
* **Watching final minute** in the last minute.
* **Watching replay** once it has ended or settled.

When the room ends, the standings and positions freeze — you're now looking at the final state, not live movement.

## Related

* [Leaderboards](/docs/ratings-and-competition/leaderboards.md)