How to organize a Smash Bros tournament

Start by fixing the tournament format, venue and player limit before sending invitations. Then collect registrations, dietary requirements and controller needs early enough to build a realistic match schedule. Most problems happen when game versions, screens, cables or controllers are tested on the event day instead of beforehand. Use the final setup window to connect every station, check settings and prepare registration, food and prizes before players arrive.

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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
Determine the tournament setup
2 people
3
Set tournament rules
2 people
4
Create a registration form
5
Send invitations
6
Process registrations
7
Collect dietary requirements
8
Confirm participant list
9
Create the match schedule
2 people
10
Send participant information
11
Order prizes
12
Check game versions
13
Test controllers
2 people
14
Check the shopping list
15
Do the shopping
2 people
16
Set out prizes and materials
17
Chill drinks
18
Pick up venue keys
19
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
20
Setting up tournament stations
3 people
21
Connect the screens
2 people
22
Connect controllers
2 people
23
Check game settings
2 people
24
Set up registration desk
2 people
25
Set out snacks
2 people
26
Hang up the match schedule

Event

27
Explain the opening and rules
28
Register participants
2 people
29
Supervise the first matches
2 people
30
Update match results
31
Refill drinks
2 people
32
Serve snacks
2 people
33
Announce break
34
Check controllers during the event
35
Guide the knockout round
2 people
36
Guide the final round
2 people
37
Announce the winners
38
Present prizes
2 people
39
Handle the final round of drinks

Aftercare

40
Switch off equipment
2 people
41
Collect waste
3 people
42
Wash dishes
2 people
43
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
44
Clean the venue
3 people
45
Pack equipment
2 people
46
Lock up the venue
47
Return borrowed items
48
Clear away leftover stock

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Nintendo Switch Consolesqty 8
Televisions or monitorsqty 8
GameCube controllersqty 16
Backup controllersqty 4
HDMI cablesqty 8
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
USB charging cablesqty 8
Ethernet cablesqty 4
Wi-Fi router
Speaker
Microphone

Sports equipment

Competition table numbersqty 8
Race timersqty 8
Score sheetsqty 50
Pensqty 20
Prizesqty 3
Wristbandsqty 40

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 30

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 3
Serving boardsqty 4
Small bowlsqty 8
Tongs and serving spoonsqty 6

Decorations

Tournament banner
Round tableclothsqty 8
Name card holdersqty 40

Lighting

String lightsqty 3

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Hand brushes and dustpanqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Choose the tournament format and rules before opening registration. State the game version, number of players, match format, start time and what happens when someone is late, so the schedule does not need rewriting later.
Close registrations early enough to create the match schedule and send participant information. A practical deadline is 3 to 5 days before the tournament, leaving time to confirm the final player list and resolve missing details.
Test every tournament station before the event, including the consoles, screens, HDMI cables, power strips and controllers. Keep backup controllers ready and check the game settings on each console, not just on one test setup.
Build the venue layout around the number of stations and matches. Number the competition tables, leave clear access to the registration desk, and use a separate area for snacks, chilled drinks, waste bins and prizes.
Allow at least 60 to 90 minutes for setup before the first match. Pick up the keys, arrange tables and chairs, connect the equipment, test the screens and controllers, and prepare score sheets before players check in.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize a Smash Bros tournament?: Start planning at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead if you need a venue and participant registrations. Set the registration deadline 3 to 5 days before the event so you can confirm players and create the match schedule.
How many Smash Bros stations do I need?: The number depends on your player count and match format, but plan at least 1 complete station for every 4 to 8 players in a short tournament. Each station needs a console, screen, compatible controllers, power access and the required cables.
How long does it take to set up a Smash Bros tournament?: Allow 60 to 90 minutes for venue setup, plus extra time if the equipment has not been tested beforehand. Connect and test every station before registration opens, rather than troubleshooting after matches begin.
When should I send the Smash Bros tournament schedule?: Send the participant information and provisional schedule 1 to 2 days before the event, after the registration list is confirmed. Include the arrival time, rules, station or table numbers, match format and what players should do if they are late.

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.