I can't help thinking that the level 50 limit is a bit generous.

I don't consider myself to be a real newbie, but perhaps I am. I have quite
low experience after all. As a merchant I am quite reasonable level 48, so I
would qualify for the competition. However, I have been playing (badly) for a
long time. I do have more quests and explore % than some of the team leaders
(not counting rebirthed Being). Perhaps a limit on total exp or something may
be more appropriate.

Note that I won't be able to play long enough at the weekend of join in the
competition anyway, but it seems that the TP award will be attractive to many
qualifying lowbie rather than newbie types.