A 16-team single elimination bracket runs 4 rounds with 15 total matches. The classic format used in most sports tournaments worldwide.
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16 players → 16-bracket
In a 16-team single elimination tournament, every match is knockout — the loser is immediately eliminated. A 16-team single elimination bracket runs 4 rounds with 15 total matches. The classic format used in most sports tournaments worldwide.
The bracket is seeded so the strongest players (highest seeds) are placed in opposite halves of the draw, meaning they can only meet in the later rounds. Seed 1 is placed against seed 16, seed 2 against seed 15, and so on.
When the number of players is not a power of 2, some players receive a BYE — they advance automatically to round 2. In a 16-team bracket with all positions filled, no byes are needed.
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