In the diagram, Team 1 is the highest seeded team and Team 16 is the lowest seeded team.
The seeding determines the starting position in the bracket.
In the first round, the highest and lowest seeded teams play against each other.
How does a double elimination tournament work?
In a double elimination tournament, teams are only eliminated after losing two matches. After a first loss, teams continue in the losers bracket.
Tournament structure
A double elimination tournament consists of a winners bracket and a losers bracket where teams continue after their first loss.
- Winner bracket matches: 15
- Loser bracket matches: 14
- Total matches: 30 (+1)
- Total rounds: 8 (+1)
- Final matches: 1 (+1)
FAQ
How many matches are played?
The number of matches depends on the number of teams and the progression of the tournament.
In a double elimination tournament, each team plays at least two matches.
In the above bracket, the winner plays at least 5 and at most 9 matches.
How many rounds are needed?
The number of rounds in the tournament depends on the number of teams and the structure of the bracket.
In the above bracket for 16 teams, there are 8 phases (plus possibly an extra final).
Double elimination brackets by number of teams
View a bracket directly for: