Tournament bracket generator

How to make a single-elimination bracket

A single-elimination bracket is the simplest way to run a knockout event: every match has a winner who moves on, the other team is out, and the last team standing is the champion. The Play 2 Earn Sports bracket generator builds that draw for you in the browser, round by round, while you type.

1. Name the tournament and pick the sport. The name appears on your saved bracket, and the sport is saved with it.
2. Choose 4, 8, 16 or 32 teams. The generator creates one name field per team. Each size fills every first-round match exactly, so no byes are needed.
3. Enter your teams in pairing order. The first team on the list plays the second, the third plays the fourth, and so on down the list. Empty fields show as Team 1, Team 2 and so on in the preview, so name every team before you save.
4. Preview every round. The preview updates as you type and shows each round, from the Round of 32 or Round of 16 through the quarterfinals and semifinals to the final.
5. Save it with a code. Add your email and choose Save & email my code. You get a six-digit code that is valid for 30 minutes. Verifying it saves the bracket and takes you to account setup, so you can keep organizing the event.

Seeding without a seeding tool

The bracket follows your list order, so you control the seeding. The standard pattern keeps the strongest teams apart until the late rounds:

• 4 teams: enter seeds 1, 4, 2, 3. Seed 1 plays seed 4, seed 2 plays seed 3, and the top two can only meet in the final.
• 8 teams: enter seeds 1, 8, 4, 5, 2, 7, 3, 6.
• 16 teams: enter seeds 1, 16, 8, 9, 4, 13, 5, 12, 2, 15, 7, 10, 3, 14, 6, 11.

If you have no rankings yet, for example at a first-time community event, a random draw works too. Shuffle the team list before you enter it and every team starts with the same chance.

Planning the day around the bracket

A single-elimination draw with n teams always has n − 1 matches: 3 for 4 teams, 7 for 8, 15 for 16 and 31 for 32. Use that number to check how many fields or courts and how many time slots you need. The number of rounds is 2, 3, 4 or 5, which tells you the minimum rest each finalist needs between games.

When the event grows beyond a bracket, with registration, age groups, venues and a public event page, move to the free tournament maker. To be listed where families already search, add the event to the tournament directory.

Bracket generator questions

Is the bracket generator free?

Yes. Building, previewing and saving a bracket is free, and you do not need an account to build or preview one.

What bracket sizes can I make?

Single-elimination brackets for 4, 8, 16 or 32 teams. Those sizes fill every first-round match, so no team needs a bye.

How are the first-round matches decided?

By the order of your list: the first team plays the second, the third plays the fourth, and so on. Reorder your list to control who meets whom.

How do I seed an 8-team bracket?

Enter your seeds in the order 1, 8, 4, 5, 2, 7, 3, 6. The top two seeds are then on opposite sides of the bracket and can only meet in the final.

How do I save my bracket?

Add your email and choose Save & email my code. Enter the six-digit code from the email within 30 minutes to verify the bracket, then create your free account or sign in to keep it.

What if I have 6 or 12 teams?

The generator only builds 4, 8, 16 and 32-team draws. For other team counts, use the free tournament maker to set up the full event with its divisions and schedule inside Play 2 Earn Sports.