Random Bracket Generator
Enter team or player names to generate a random first-round bracket.
How to use the Random Bracket Generator
- Type the team or player names into the box, separated by commas.
- Press the draw button to shuffle the list and pair it into first-round matches.
- Read the matches under the bracket number and time stamp; the newest bracket sits on top.
The draw is a full shuffle, not a seeding
Every name is shuffled before pairing, in a way that leaves each possible order equally likely, and matches are taken two at a time. There is no seeding, so two favourites can meet at once.
What happens with an odd number of teams
When the list will not pair evenly, the name left at the end is matched against Bye and goes through unopposed. Since the shuffle comes first, every entrant has the same chance of it.
| Teams | Lines drawn | Chance of the bye |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 in 3 |
| 4 | 2 | none |
| 5 | 3 | 1 in 5 |
| 6 | 3 | none |
| 7 | 4 | 1 in 7 |
Frequently asked questions
What if there is an odd number of teams?
The unmatched team receives a bye into the next round. Which team that is comes down to the draw, since the list is shuffled before pairing.
Are later rounds generated?
No, only the first round. Later rounds depend on actual results, so fill them in as the matches are played.
Why does nothing happen when I press the draw button?
You need at least two names in the box. With one or none the tool stops without showing any message at all.
How should I separate the names?
With commas. Spaces on either side are removed and a trailing comma is ignored, but a comma inside a name splits it.
Are past brackets saved?
Yes. Each is stamped with a number and the time it was made, and the last fifty stay in this browser until cleared.