Single elimination
Every loss removes an entrant. With N entrants there are N-1 matches, so this is the fastest format and the easiest to follow live. Use it when a clean final matters more than giving every entrant several attempts.
A single elimination bracket is also the simplest format for a casual poll or a personal ranking because each click has one obvious effect: this option advances and the other does not.
Double elimination
A first loss routes an entrant to a lower bracket; the second loss eliminates them. The schedule is longer, but one unlucky opening matchup does not end a competitor's day. Esports and club tournaments often accept the extra matches in exchange for this second chance.
Explain the grand-final rule before the event. A reset final can add one more match if the lower-bracket finalist wins the first final.
Round robin
Every entrant plays every other entrant once or twice. A single round robin has N(N-1)/2 matches. It produces more evidence about relative strength but needs more time, more score entry and a clear standings rule.
Many leagues use round robin as a group stage, then send the leading teams into a short single-elimination playoff. Keeping those phases separate makes the schedule readable.
Build it now
Use the format that fits your event and keep this guide open while you set up the list.