Description
In the fighting games industry, a pool is a way to organize and manage the large number of participants in a tournament. Instead of having all players compete against each other in a single, massive bracket, the tournament is divided into smaller groups or 'pools'. Each pool operates as a mini-tournament where players compete to advance to the next stage. This helps in streamlining the process, making it manageable and more enjoyable for both players and organizers. The winners from each pool then move on to compete in the final stages of the tournament. Pools ensure that everyone gets a fair chance to compete, and they help avoid overwhelming the tournament infrastructure. These smaller, more controlled environments also provide a better experience for spectators, as they can follow the progress of specific players more easily.
Examples
- At the prestigious EVO Championship Series, thousands of players are divided into pools to ensure smooth operation. Each pool consists of around 8-16 players, and the top performers advance to the next stage.
- In the Capcom Pro Tour, regional qualifiers often use pools to manage the large number of participants. For instance, at a regional event in North America, players are divided into pools to determine who will earn points toward the global leaderboard.
Additional Information
- Pools can be single-elimination or double-elimination, depending on the tournament's rules.
- The use of pools helps in managing time and resources efficiently, ensuring that the event runs smoothly.