Tournaments

Tournaments are organized competitions in which multiple participants compete through a predefined format to determine a winner and overall rankings. They occur in sports, games, academics, and other competitive activities, and can be local, national, or international in scope.

Common formats include single-elimination, where a loss eliminates a participant; double-elimination; round-robin, where participants play many opponents; Swiss-system tournaments, which pair players with similar scores across rounds; and group stages followed by knockout rounds. Some events use hybrids.

Scheduling and logistics: Tournaments require rules, eligibility, entry procedures, match scheduling, venues or online platforms, officials, and disciplinary procedures. They may be standalone events or part of a circuit, with prize pools and sponsorships.

Governance and fairness: Governing bodies set rules and standards for equipment, scoring, and conduct; anti-cheating measures are applied in many domains. Examples include FIDE for chess, ITF and national bodies for tennis, and various publishers and leagues for esports.

History and impact: Tournaments have evolved from local challenges to global spectacles, offering professional opportunities, broadcasting revenue, and fan engagement. They can drive regional development, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Notable tournament types include world championships, cup competitions, and major events in sports and esports.