How to run a padel tournament: a step-by-step plan
You can organise a padel tournament in one evening: all it takes is a clear plan and one place where players see the registration, the bracket and the results. Here is a plan that works for a club event and for a game with friends.
1. Choose a format
Padel is always played in pairs, so first decide whether pairs sign up together or partners are drawn at random.
- Single elimination — lose once and you are out. The fastest format: 16 pairs need only 15 matches.
- Round robin — every pair plays every other pair. Good for 4–8 pairs when everyone wants plenty of games.
- Groups + playoff — groups first, then the best pairs play a knockout. A good middle ground for 12–24 pairs.
- Double elimination — after a first loss a pair gets a second chance in the losers' bracket.
2. Set the rules in advance
Write down how many sets are played, whether there is a tie-break and to how many points. Short tournaments often play one set to 6 or 9 games. Publish the rules on the registration page so there are no arguments later.
3. Open registration
Set the number of places, the deadline and an entry fee if you need one. When places run out, a waitlist helps: if a pair drops out, the first pair in line takes the spot.
Send the registration link to your club chat or social media. The fewer steps players need, the more sign-ups you get.
4. The draw and the bracket
Once registration is closed, build the bracket. If you know the strongest pairs, seed them: the first and second seeds belong in opposite halves so they cannot meet before the final. If there are fewer pairs than 8, 16 or 32, the top seeds skip the first round (a bye).
5. Court schedule
Assign matches to courts and times. Plan rest: the same pair needs at least 15–20 minutes between matches. Publish the schedule early so players know when to arrive.
6. Scores and spectators
Enter results right after each match, or better, live, point by point. Then spectators and other players follow the other courts on their phones. Put up a poster with a QR code by the courts: scanning it opens the bracket and the scores.
How to do it with Bracketa
Bracketa is a free app with all of these steps in one place: registration by link (players need no account), a seeded bracket and draw, a court schedule, live scores and a printable QR poster. A tournament takes a few minutes to set up.