How to organise a Mario Kart tournament

Start by fixing the tournament format, then work backwards from the number of players and available game stations. Confirm registrations before creating the match schedule, and publish rules that cover race length, points, ties and late arrivals. A reliable setup needs one tested Nintendo Switch, TV, dock, game and controller set for each station, plus spare cables and charging options. On the day, leave time to connect and test everything before players arrive.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Reserve venue
2
Set the tournament format
2 people
3
Send invitations
4
Process registrations
5
Collect dietary requirements
6
Confirm participants
7
Write out the competition rules
8
Arrange prize money or prizes
9
Reserve game consoles
10
Reserve TVs
11
Check controllers and cables
2 people
12
Create the match schedule
13
Print participant list
14
Print match schedule
15
Do the shopping
2 people
16
Collect prizes and materials
2 people
17
Chill drinks
18
Portion snacks
2 people
19
Order pizza and bread
20
Test consoles and screens
2 people
21
Open venue
2 people
22
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
23
Connect game stations
3 people
24
Charge controllers
25
Hang up tournament information
26
Set up the drinks and snacks table
2 people
27
Set up the break room
2 people

Event

28
Reception and registration
2 people
29
Explain the tournament rules
30
Assign participants to stations
2 people
31
Guide qualifying rounds
4 people
32
Record competition scores
2 people
33
Refill drinks
2 people
34
Serve snacks
2 people
35
Serve the break meal
3 people
36
Guide the semifinals
2 people
37
Lead the final
2 people
38
Announce the winners
39
Present prizes
2 people
40
Serve the last drinks round
2 people

Aftercare

41
Turn off controllers
2 people
42
Disconnect equipment
3 people
43
Collect waste
3 people
44
Wash dishes
2 people
45
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
46
Clean the venue
3 people
47
Return equipment
2 people
48
Return borrowed materials
2 people
49
Store leftovers

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 36
Tableclothsqty 8

Equipment

Nintendo Switch Consolesqty 4
Televisionsqty 4
Nintendo Switch docksqty 4
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe gamesqty 4
Controllersqty 16
HDMI cablesqty 4
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Charging cablesqty 8
Headphonesqty 16
Timersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 24
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving jugsqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 4

Organization

Clipboardsqty 4
Pensqty 20
Name stickersqty 40
Bib numbersqty 40
Prizesqty 3
Printed match schedulesqty 12
Printed participant listsqty 4
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 2

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Balloonsqty 40
Stage backdrop

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the format before sending invitations. Decide how many players each station can handle, whether heats lead to a final, and how many races each match includes; this determines the timetable and the number of consoles and TVs you need.
Close registrations at least 3 days before the tournament. Use the final participant list to create matches, collect dietary requirements and confirm who is actually attending instead of rebuilding the schedule at the door.
Test every game station before guests arrive, including the console, dock, TV input, Mario Kart game, controllers, HDMI cable and power connection. Allow 30–45 minutes for setup and keep at least one spare controller and cable available.
Print the match schedule, participant list and competition rules before tournament day. Put the schedule where players can see it, and give the organiser a clipboard and timer so races start and finish consistently.
Plan food around the match timetable rather than serving everything at once. Chill drinks and portion snacks before play begins, then order pizza and bread early enough that players are not waiting for food between rounds.

Frequently asked questions

How many Nintendo Switches do I need for a Mario Kart tournament?: Plan one complete game station for every 4–8 players who need to race at the same time. For 24 players, three stations can run groups of eight, but you should add a spare controller, HDMI cable and charging option rather than relying on a single setup.
How long does a Mario Kart tournament take?: Allow about 3 hours for 16–24 players if you run heats followed by a final. Add 30–45 minutes before the start for tables, TVs, consoles, cables and testing, plus extra time if players must wait for food.
When should I send Mario Kart tournament invitations?: Send invitations 3–4 weeks before the event and set the registration deadline 3 days before it. That gives you enough time to confirm participants, write the rules, build the match schedule and print the materials.
What rules should a Mario Kart tournament include?: Write down the race count, game mode, points system, tie-breaker, permitted controller settings and what happens if someone arrives late or disconnects. Publish the rules at least 3 days before the tournament so players know the format before they arrive.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.