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How Tournaments Work

Understanding the structure of a tournament in Torneos MVP makes setup much easier. This page explains the key concepts before you start creating.

Key terminology

TermWhat it means
TournamentThe main container. Has a name, date range, and holds one or more categories.
Category (Valid)A specific competition division inside a tournament — for example, "U14 Boys Singles" or "Open Women Doubles". Each category has its own registrations, bracket, and results.
PhaseA competition stage within a category — for example, a Group Stage followed by a Knockout Stage.
MatchAn individual game between two players, pairs, or teams.
Draw / BracketThe structure that determines which players face each other and in what order.
Court / FieldA physical venue where a match is played (court, table, or field depending on the sport).

Typical tournament workflow

Create tournament

Define categories (Valids)

Open registrations

Close registrations & set seeding

Generate draw / bracket

Schedule matches (calendar)

Assign courts and referees

Run live matches

Results published automatically

Rankings update automatically

Tournament formats

Each category (Valid) can use one of the following competition formats:

FormatHow it works
Group Stage + KnockoutPlayers first compete in round-robin groups. Top players from each group advance to a knockout bracket.
Pure KnockoutDirect single-elimination bracket from the first round.
Round RobinEvery player plays against every other player. Final standings are determined by win/loss record.
HybridA custom combination of the above formats configured phase by phase.

Tournament visibility

SettingWho can see it
PublicAnyone browsing the platform. Players can self-register if inscriptions are open.
PrivateOnly members with direct access. Self-registration is not available.

Tournament status

StatusMeaning
Not StartedTournament is created but matches have not begun
In ProgressMatches are being played
PausedTemporarily halted
FinishedAll matches are complete
CanceledTournament was canceled

See also