Esports events can take different shapes and forms, especially during the Playoffs and Group stages of the competition. A Playoffs Stage may feature a double or single-elimination bracket, while a Group Stage could take on a Swiss System or a Round Robin format. Our guide focuses on the last of those, the Round Robin.
Let’s break down how Round Robins work, the math behind this system, how it elevates tournaments, and, most importantly, how it provides us with more matches to enjoy.
Round Robin 101
At its core, the Round Robin format is about fairness. The golden rule is that each team plays all other teams at least once, fostering an environment where teams are on equal footing from start to finish.
The simple mathematical equation for determining the number of matches in a Round Robin format is N(N‑1)/2
In the equation, N represents the number of participants. For example, in a group of four (4) teams, the equation will look like this: 4 × (4 − 1) ÷ 2 = 6
In the example above, the formula can also be represented as 4 × 3 ÷ 2 = 6, where you first do a subtraction ( 4 minus 1) to get 3, then multiply 4 by 3 to get 12, and lastly divide 12 by 2 to get 6.
Single vs. Double Round Robins
In a single Round Robin, each team plays all other teams once, whereas in a double Round Robin format, each team plays all other teams twice. Double Round Robin fosters an environment where team/player ability is tested and retested, ensuring the best teams sit in top spots. A prime example is the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) Split 1, where the top six out of ten teams qualify for the Road to MSI event are determined by a double Round Robin format, where all matches are best-of-three.
The same goes for triple Round Robin, where each team plays all other teams three times. Depending on tournament scheduling requirements, some organizers might adopt a triple Round Robin format to combat any bias, for example, a specific side in an esports title having a slight advantage over the other.
Let’s say an odd number of teams compete in a Round Robin format, primarily because of unforeseen circumstances like a team withdrawing from a tournament. In that case, an organizer may use byes or accelerated pairings. In the latter, the number of participants with perfect scores pairs higher-ranked participants against each other early on.
Scheduling & Broadcast Logistics
Tournament organizers juggle a bunch of factors when picking the precise version of a Round Robin format, including, but not limited to, single/double/triple and whether matches are best-of-one, best-of-two, or best-of-three.
Some determining factors in choosing the precise format include whether matches are played on LAN or online. If matches are played online, the time zones of competing teams must be taken into account, creating the fairest competitive environment.
We’ve outlined some scheduling and broadcasting logistics to keep in mind when organizing Round Robin tournaments or groups:
- Competitor distance from the servers. Higher latency is a disadvantage in online esports, so latency rotation for cross-regional play is suggested.
- Competitor time zones can make things tricky. The organizer should balance a Round Robin tournament schedule to consider match start times for all teams/players whenever possible.
- A high match density can result in player burnout, while a low match density can cause a drop in viewership numbers. A balanced approach is suggested.
Super Week in the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) is a prime example of increased match density. When Riot Games brought back Super Weeks (teams play more matches during designated weeks in the regular season), viewership records were reportedly broken. Despite the positive impact of more matches on viewership numbers, tournament organizers should always consider player and broadcasting talent welfare to avoid possible burnout situations.
Tiebreakers: Beyond ‘Head‑to‑Head’
With the Round Robin format comes the possibility of needing tiebreakers to determine final rankings. The first and most obvious tiebreaker in esports is game/map difference. For example, Team A and Team B have 3-0 match scores, but thanks to the best-of-three match format, Team A has won six maps and lost zero, while Team B has won six maps and lost two. Team A is placed first in the example thanks to their clean record, with a two-map differential.
The next tiebreaker to consider is head-to-head performance. For example, Team A and Team B have 3-1 scores. However, Team B beat Team A in the head-to-head matchup, placing Team B higher on the final rankings. Tournament organizers may implement various tiebreakers, including overall victory time (the lower, the better) or a mini Round Robin phase if there are enough tied teams.
The implications of tiebreaker matches on betting are undeniable, especially when the format has high volatility. For example, in best-of-one tiebreakers, you’ll see more upsets compared to best-of-three tiebreakers. Best-of-one tiebreakers offer opportunities for value betting on the underdogs with, generally, a higher success rate.
Betting On Round Robin Stages With Crypto
Using your favorite cryptocurrency to place bets on Round Robin tournament stages has many advantages. Round Robin creates a lot of market depth, with a high volume of matches resulting in a tighter spread. With cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals much faster than traditional FIAT currencies, bettors can manage their bankroll efficiently while finding arbitrage betting opportunities.
For the uninitiated, “arbing” (aka arbitrage betting) is referred to as “risk-free” or “sure wins.” It focuses on finding a positive return on investment while betting on both sides of an outcome. The more matches are part of a Round Robin Group Stage, the higher the chances of a solid arbitrage opportunity appearing.
At Thunderpick, gamers can enjoy unique prop bets for Round Robin stages, focusing on the format’s inherent strengths, such as high match densities. Crypto esports betting on Round Robin allows for wagers such as First Blood totals (with over/under variants), aggregate map/game durations across an entire group, or outright bets taking advantage of perfect season specials.
Pro tip: Consider learning how you can use stablecoins to park winnings between match days, avoiding the risk of price fluctuations of more volatile cryptocurrency options.
You can also hedge a bet via live betting functionality, placing a wager in the opposite direction if things worsen. For example, if Team A is the favorite in a Counter-Strike 2 match and you placed a wager on them, but Team B is far ahead on the first half of the first map, the live betting odds will update. This could potentially reveal a new opportunity to place a hedging bet on Team B winning.
Pros & Cons Of Round Robin
Every tournament structure has its advantages and disadvantages. You can check out the pros and cons of the Round Robin format below.
| Pros of Round Robin | Cons of Round Robin |
| A fair and competitive environment | Potential for competitor burnout |
| Teams/players learn throughout the event | Broadcaster fatigue |
| The match schedule is transparent | Can become logistically complex |
| Easy-to-understand structure | |
| Low betting volatility | |
| More matches for viewers to watch | |
| More screen time for sponsors |
A Round Robin format specifically impacts the stakeholders involved in the tournaments, too. Here’s how:
- Broadcasters: More matches can result in higher viewership numbers. However, keeping fans interested for extended periods can be challenging.
- Tournament organizers: The Round Robin structure is easy to implement, with clear outlines for tournament organizers. However, scheduling a multitude of matches can prove logistically challenging.
- Teams/players: Teams can learn from their mistakes and improve over a longer time, as a Round Robin format allows for more matches. It creates a fair environment with room for error, with teams knowing which opponents they’ll face next, helping them prepare strategies. However, there’s potential for player burnout if the matchup schedule is too intense.
- Bettors: Those who enjoy betting on many matches will love the Round Robin format. There are more arbitrage betting opportunities, unique prop bets, and more action to watch. Betting volatility is lower, too, because of the straightforward and fair structure.
Betting On Esports At Thunderpick
When formulating your betting strategy, always determine if a tournament features a single, double, or triple Round Robin during one or more stages of competition. There are many betting opportunities to discover, and we are here to help!
At Thunderpick, we’ve got you covered when betting on any esports and traditional sports events, including those with the Round Robin group format. You can always get those wagers locked in with near-instant deposits and take advantage of arbitrage opportunities thanks to fast withdrawals. We offer in-play betting, a host of prop bets, and a state-of-the-art bet slip that lets you place combo bets in seconds.
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