How to Host a Successful Amateur Tournament

Hey guys, Darwin here again. After hosting my third successful collegiate tournament I thought I would provide some insight about how to have your tournament go off (relatively) without a hitch. Although all my experience is with the collegiate scene these tips should apply to any tournament as long as you can recruit teams to participate. 

Rule number one: plan well in advance

This is by far the most important factor. Generally a team of four or five is recommended. I'm not saying it can't be done solo, but it's going to be an intense ride for you. Make sure you have every detail covered, and once you do check, and double check your list. However, if problems arise don't take them too personally. My first tournament was definitely not flawless, but it was a blast none the less.

Rule number two: have help that isn't in the tournament.

I can't stress how important this is. Having someone who can constantly be on call to deal with issues will dramatically increase the success of your tournament. I know it can be a slight challenge to find someone who commit and entire day or two to a tournament, but if you bride some of your friends with pizza or something it's bound to happen. In our tournament a girlfriend of one of the players essentially ran the show. Do whatever is convenient and available to you. 

Rule number three: bring food!

Generally people will show up for the competition, but supplying food (especially for a large tournament) is always a good idea. Odds are your tournament is going to have a wide skill gap between teams (unless you actively recruit players of the same caliber) so the food can be used as a sort of consolation prize for the teams that don't have a realistic chance of winning. Besides, everyone loves pizza right? (Or sandwiches, pasta etc. Whatever you like!)

Rule number four: Prizes Prizes Prizes!

Prizes are a great way to incentivize participation. The bad news? Prizes usually cost money. The good news? There are usually ways around that. First are foremost Riot is very good about providing RP and skin prizes that can be distributed for the winners. For instructions and a FAQ about that click here. Otherwise get creative! Local businesses connected to gaming (comic shops, local electronics stores etc) willl often be willing to donate small prizes in exchange for you mentioning their business during your event.

Rule number five: make it fun!

For our tournament we had every round before the semi-finals on a Saturday and then the finals on a Sunday in a big auditorium on our campus. We invited everyone and showed the games on a big screen with casters and everything. For the finals we introduced the teams just like they do in the LCS. We didn't have amazing turnout, but we had a good time anyways.

Above all just enjoy yourself! Sometimes we get caught up in the competitive aspect of League and forget about the fun part. Winning matters to the pros because it's their source of income and pride but to us amateurs, the game is about enjoyment.