Pudotuspelimuotosta

Pudotuspelimuoto, also known as playoff format, is a common tournament structure used in many sports and esports leagues to determine a champion. In this system, teams or individuals are eliminated from competition after a certain number of losses, typically one. This contrasts with round-robin formats where teams play each other multiple times regardless of individual game outcomes.

The structure of a playoff format can vary. It often begins with a certain number of participants, and through a series of matches, their numbers are progressively reduced. A single-elimination bracket is the most straightforward type, where a loss means immediate removal from the tournament. Double-elimination brackets allow participants to lose once and still remain in contention by moving to a lower bracket. Other variations exist, such as best-of-series, where teams play multiple games against each other, and the first to win a majority of those games advances.

The appeal of the playoff format lies in its inherent drama and the creation of high-stakes matches. Each game carries significant weight, and upsets can dramatically alter the course of the competition. This format often leads to a clear, definitive winner, as only the most successful participants survive to the final stages. It is widely used in professional sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, and NHL, as well as in major esports tournaments.