By Yves Richel ·
Knockout is the most thrilling format – every match is do or die. Teams are placed in a single-elimination bracket. Win and advance, lose and go home. It's fast, dramatic, and crowns a champion in the fewest possible rounds.
How does the Knockout format work?
01
Seed the bracket
Teams are placed into an elimination bracket. With 8 teams: quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final – just 3 rounds.
02
Win or go home
Each match eliminates the losing team. Winners advance to the next round. There are no second chances.
03
The final
The last two teams standing face off in the grand final. The winner takes the title.
What are the rules of the Knockout format?
- Single elimination – one loss and you're out.
- Bracket size must be a power of 2 (4, 8, 16 teams).
- Seeding can be random or based on ranking.
- The format is fast – 8 teams need only 7 matches total.
When is the Knockout format the right choice?
Perfect for large groups with limited time, or when you want maximum drama. Every point matters, every match is a thriller. Best with 8 or 16 teams.
Best for: 8–16 players