The good old rule of thumb suggests that stronger competitors, on a general basis, are likely to do better at longer tournaments. However, the chances of an underdog to find success in a short competition are higher. Therefore, is there a relationship between the tournament format and its impact on the runner-ups’ winning chances?
The study conducted by David R. Appleton from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne (UK) determines the impact the tournament setup has on a team or a player, by comparing various tournament designs.