Esikarsinnat

Esikarsinnat, from es- meaning pre- and karsinta meaning elimination or qualification, is a Finnish term used to describe the preliminary rounds of a competition. The purpose is to reduce a large pool of entrants to a smaller group that can compete in the main rounds.

Usage: The concept is common across sports, entertainment, and other competitive contexts in Finland. It appears in national championships, talent shows, and other events where many participants are screened before the final stages.

Format and procedure: Esikarsinnat typically involve auditions, trials, or initial rounds where participants perform or submit work. A panel of judges and, in some cases, audience vote, determines which contestants advance to the main rounds, such as semifinals or the final.

Relation to other rounds: Esikarsinnat are distinct from later elimination rounds; they are explicitly aimed at filtering rather than deciding the overall winner. The exact format, number of rounds, and advancement criteria vary by event.

Related terms: karsinta, semifinaali, finaali, and valintaprosessi.