Everything you need to know about running successful tournaments
Skip the guide and get started now — it's free!
The tournament format you choose affects the experience for everyone involved. Here's a guide to help you pick the right one:
Best for: Quick tournaments, large participant counts, limited time
Best for: Competitive events, skill-based rankings, esports
Best for: Smaller groups, leagues, ensuring everyone plays multiple games
Best for: Large tournaments, balanced competition, World Cup style
Set your date and venue
Consider court/field availability, participant schedules, and weather if outdoor
Determine divisions
Age groups, skill levels, gender categories — whatever makes sense for your event
Set registration deadline
Give yourself time to prepare brackets after registration closes
Plan your schedule
Account for match duration, breaks, and potential delays
Pro Tip: Use our Tournament Director Checklist for a complete planning template.
Creating tournament brackets is easy with the right tools. Here's how to do it:
Enter names manually, or import from CSV/Excel. You can also enable online registration.
Select single elimination, double elimination, or round robin based on your needs.
Seed top players to prevent early matchups, or randomize for fairness.
Click generate, then download PDF or share live link with participants.
Enable self-service registration so players can sign up and pay online.
Have a player list already? Import from CSV or Excel in seconds.
Use QR code check-in for contactless verification. Players scan, you confirm.
Enter scores as matches complete. Brackets update instantly for everyone viewing.
Show live brackets on TVs at your venue. Auto-refreshes as scores update.
Edit matches, swap players, or adjust brackets on the fly if needed.
Start early: Begin setup the day before. Test your equipment, print backup brackets, and brief your volunteers.
Communicate clearly: Send participants a schedule, venue map, and rules before the event.
Have helpers: Assign someone to manage check-in, someone for scoring, and someone for announcements.
Build in buffer time: Matches often run long. Add 15-20% extra time to your schedule.
Collect feedback: After the event, ask participants what went well and what could improve for next time.
You've got the knowledge. Now put it into action with Brakto's free tournament tools.
Everything you need to know about running successful tournaments
Skip the guide and get started now — it's free!
The tournament format you choose affects the experience for everyone involved. Here's a guide to help you pick the right one:
Best for: Quick tournaments, large participant counts, limited time
Best for: Competitive events, skill-based rankings, esports
Best for: Smaller groups, leagues, ensuring everyone plays multiple games
Best for: Large tournaments, balanced competition, World Cup style
Set your date and venue
Consider court/field availability, participant schedules, and weather if outdoor
Determine divisions
Age groups, skill levels, gender categories — whatever makes sense for your event
Set registration deadline
Give yourself time to prepare brackets after registration closes
Plan your schedule
Account for match duration, breaks, and potential delays
Pro Tip: Use our Tournament Director Checklist for a complete planning template.
Creating tournament brackets is easy with the right tools. Here's how to do it:
Enter names manually, or import from CSV/Excel. You can also enable online registration.
Select single elimination, double elimination, or round robin based on your needs.
Seed top players to prevent early matchups, or randomize for fairness.
Click generate, then download PDF or share live link with participants.
Enable self-service registration so players can sign up and pay online.
Have a player list already? Import from CSV or Excel in seconds.
Use QR code check-in for contactless verification. Players scan, you confirm.
Enter scores as matches complete. Brackets update instantly for everyone viewing.
Show live brackets on TVs at your venue. Auto-refreshes as scores update.
Edit matches, swap players, or adjust brackets on the fly if needed.
Start early: Begin setup the day before. Test your equipment, print backup brackets, and brief your volunteers.
Communicate clearly: Send participants a schedule, venue map, and rules before the event.
Have helpers: Assign someone to manage check-in, someone for scoring, and someone for announcements.
Build in buffer time: Matches often run long. Add 15-20% extra time to your schedule.
Collect feedback: After the event, ask participants what went well and what could improve for next time.
You've got the knowledge. Now put it into action with Brakto's free tournament tools.