Mario Kart tournament checklist

A Mario Kart tournament needs more than enough consoles and a copy of the game. You also need a format that fits the number of players, working screens and controllers, clear rules, and a schedule people can follow. This checklist takes you from venue booking and registration to connecting the game stations, serving food, and starting the first race. Use it to spot the details that are often left until the last minute, such as charging controllers, printing match sheets, and checking every HDMI connection.

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

Reserve venue
Set the tournament format
2 people
Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Confirm participants
Write out the competition rules
Arrange prize money or prizes
Reserve game consoles
Reserve TVs
Check controllers and cables
2 people
Create the match schedule
Print participant list
Print match schedule
Do the shopping
2 people
Collect prizes and materials
2 people
Chill drinks
Portion snacks
2 people
Order pizza and bread
Test consoles and screens
2 people
Open venue
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Connect game stations
3 people
Charge controllers
Hang up tournament information
Set up the drinks and snacks table
2 people
Set up the break room
2 people

Event

Reception and registration
2 people
Explain the tournament rules
Assign participants to stations
2 people
Guide qualifying rounds
4 people
Record competition scores
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Serve the break meal
3 people
Guide the semifinals
2 people
Lead the final
2 people
Announce the winners
Present prizes
2 people
Serve the last drinks round
2 people

Aftercare

Turn off controllers
2 people
Disconnect equipment
3 people
Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Return equipment
2 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
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 tournament format before sending invitations. Decide how many players can compete at once, how heats progress, and how long each round should take so you can create a realistic match schedule.
Test every console, dock, television, game copy, controller, and HDMI cable at the venue before guests arrive. A full setup check at least one day ahead gives you time to replace missing or faulty equipment.
Print the participant list, match schedule, rules, and tournament information before event day. Keep copies on clipboards and post the schedule where players can see it without asking the organiser.
Charge all controllers the night before and bring charging cables, extension cords, and power strips. Plan the room so each game station has a safe power route and cables do not cross walking paths.
Order pizza and bread early enough for the planned serving time, then chill drinks and portion snacks before the tournament starts. Collect dietary requirements during registration rather than trying to check them at the buffet.

Frequently asked questions

How many Nintendo Switch consoles do I need for a Mario Kart tournament?: Plan for one console and one television per game station. The exact number depends on your format, but four players per station is a practical starting point for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe; add stations if you want shorter waiting times.
How long does a Mario Kart tournament take?: Allow roughly 30 to 45 minutes per round, including player changes and recording results. For a tournament with three rounds, reserve at least 2 to 3 hours, then add setup and food time.
When should I send invitations for a Mario Kart tournament?: Send invitations about 3 to 4 weeks before the event and set a registration deadline at least 7 days beforehand. Use the final week to confirm participants, collect dietary requirements, and complete the match schedule.
What should I prepare on the day of a Mario Kart tournament?: Open the venue at least 90 minutes before the first race. Use that time to arrange tables and chairs, connect and test the game stations, charge or swap controllers, place tournament information, and prepare drinks and snacks.

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.