← All formatsGroups + DE
Groups + double elimination
Peak fairness. Hybrid for large, high-stakes tournaments.
- formula
- G × k(k−1)/2 + 2P − 2
- complexity
- advanced
- best for
- 16–32 players
How it works
Group stage identical to groups+playoff, but the final phase is double elimination. This makes qualifying from groups more valuable and the playoff maximally fair — one slip doesn't knock you out.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Most equitable format for large tournaments
- Minimizes randomness in decisive matches
- Champion is objectively the strongest
- Top players get a second chance if they slip
Cons
- Most matches and most time of any format
- Needs experienced organizers and good infra
- Minimum 2–3 days
- Complex visualization — a solid bracket tool is required
When to pick it
- 01CS 2, Dota 2, Valorant majors
- 02Professional championships
- 0316+ high-level players
- 04Budget and time are not constrained
How many matches
Match and round count by participant number — plan your courts and schedule.
formulaG × k(k−1)/2 + 2P − 2
Group stage + double elimination in the playoff (2P−2, where P is the number of qualifiers).
| Participants | Matches | Rounds |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 20 | 6 |
| 16 | 36 | 7 |
| 24 | 52 | 8 |
| 32 | 72 | 9 |