What is a group stage tournament?
Group Stage works like the World Cup. Players are split into groups that each play a round robin, then the best from each group go into a knockout. Everyone gets several matches, and the event still builds to a final.
How many matches? A round robin inside each group, then a knockout for the qualifiers.
How to run a group stage in the app
- Choose 2–4 groups and whether the top 1 or 2 from each group go through.
- Setup only offers combinations that play through to one champion, and shows the group sizes before you start.
- Groups are formed by a snake draft on rating, so they're balanced.
- Each group plays a round robin. In doubles, partners rotate within the group.
- Qualifiers go into a cross-group knockout: group winners are kept apart, and players from the same group meet as late as possible.
How the table is ranked
- Points (win 1, draw ½)
- Head-to-head (when two are level)
- Point difference, if you're tracking scores
- Seeding, and the app tells you when seeding decided a place
Pros and cons
Pros
- Everyone gets several matches
- A knockout finish
- Scales better than one big round robin
Watch out for
- Needs at least 4 players for singles, 8 for doubles
Best for
- Club championships and finals days
- Bigger events that need a final
- Mixed-ability groups (balanced groups)
Organiser tips
- Groups of four are the sweet spot: three matches each and quick to finish.
Popular sports for group stage
Pickleball tournaments, Padel tournaments, Badminton tournaments, Volleyball tournaments.
Group Stage FAQ
How many players do I need?
At least 4 for singles and 8 for doubles (two groups of four).
How are groups chosen?
By a snake draft on rating: the strongest players are spread across the groups so every group is balanced.
