What is a double elimination tournament?
Double elimination gives everyone a second chance. Everyone starts in the Winners pool. One loss moves you to the Survivors pool, and a second loss puts you out. The finalists from each pool meet in the grand final.
How many matches? Everyone plays until their second loss, so roughly twice as many matches as a knockout, plus a decider if the grand final is reset.
How to run a double elimination in the app
- Everyone starts in the Winners pool with no losses.
- Each round pairs players within their pool by rating, and byes rotate so no one gets them every time.
- One loss moves you to the Survivors pool. Two losses and you're out.
- In the grand final, if the Survivors finalist wins, both players have one loss and a deciding match is played.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fairer than a straight knockout
- Everyone plays at least twice
- A true grand final
Watch out for
- Takes roughly twice as many matches as a knockout
Best for
- Competitive club championships
- Table tennis and squash nights
- Events where one upset shouldn't end your day
Organiser tips
- Allow extra court time for the second-chance matches.
- In doubles, teams are made from players with similar ratings.
Popular sports for double elimination
Double Elimination FAQ
How does this double elimination work?
Instead of a fixed printed tree, players are grouped into pools by losses: Winners (no losses) and Survivors (one loss). Each round pairs players within their pool. Two losses and you're out.
Is there a bracket reset?
Yes. If the Survivors finalist beats the Winners finalist, both have one loss and a deciding match is played.
