How to Run a Ladder Event

Ladders are a live matchmaking experience that allow players at an event to continuously queue against new opponents, similar to how open matchmaking commonly works for online games.

• Players click a button on their phone (or other device) to queue up and find a match

• Players report their match, earn points, and queue again

• Players obtain different ranks based on points earned

2. Matches will appear in the match display as one of the following:

• Waiting on Station – A check box icon will be displayed next to the match

  • The players have not received their station assignment
  • Stations will be auto-assigned by smash.gg once the check mark on the match is clicked
  • Selecting the check mark on the match will confirm on each player’s device

  Game Setup – A lightning icon will be displayed next to the match

  • The players have received their station assignment and are now playing their set
  • Match can now be reported by clicking the lightning icon on the match

3. Assign a station as follows:

• Select the TV icon when hovering over a match to assign an available station to the two confirmed participants. They cannot view the station until you have assigned it via the Match Dashboard.
• To add stations for the event, you can go to Stations & Streams in the Tournament Settings (more info on adding stations here and assigning stations here).
• The number of stations that can be assigned at once can be edited via Matchmaking Settings under Brackets in the Tournament Settings.

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4. Report a match as follows:

• Once a match has an assigned station, it can be quick reported by clicking on the lightning icon. Matches can also be reported normally by clicking "Edit Match" and entering scores in the pop-up modal.
• Once a match is reported, it will remove itself from the display of the Match Dashboard unless Completed Matches is specifically viewed.
• As soon as a match has been reported, both players are free to queue up for the ladder again.

Two staff running ladders

• This person should have a conspicuous line in front of them.
• One staff member available to answer questions and to call players/assign stations.
• One staff member for reporting results.

Designated meeting area

• Whichever area you choose to set up ladders should not be a location that is already expecting heavy foot traffic.
• Players will congregate around the location you dictate in the matchmaking settings.

Clearly notate ladder stations

• It can be awkward for people to ask others to get up so they can play ladders, and it also detracts from the tournament experience of the person being asked to move.
• It should be clear to your attendees which stations are for ladders and which are for casuals or bracket matches.
• If stations are not clearly notated you will encounter people playing casuals on ladder stations.

Station counts

• The ideal station count for ladders is one setup for every two participants. This comes with the shortest wait times.
• More realistically you can aim for one setup for every four participants.
• Your goal should be to keep wait times below 5 minutes. Longer waits can take away from the player’s experience.

Ensure players know:

• Clicking the match in the match dashboard provides you the ability to check players in for the ladder.
• They must click “Check In” when it appears on their screen. If they don’t, and if the match expires before they realize it, they have to re-queue and wait again.
• If they are having issues clicking “Check In” you can assist them.