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Turnabot Turnaments

Turnabot Tournaments across the U.S. have been incredible successes, creating thrilling and unforgettable experiences for roboteers of all ages and skill levels. Visit our Gallery to witness the excitement and joy that participants have experienced firsthand!

Now, you have the opportunity to bring the excitement of Turnabot Tournaments to your own area! With our Turnabox arenas, designed for convenience and portability, organizing your very own tournament has never been easier. Our all-new 2-hour competition structure ensures fast-paced action, plenty of driving experience, and maximum enjoyment for all participants.

Turnabot Turnament at the Discovery Cube Museum

1) Define the Size of your Turnabot Turnament 


Decide how many competitors you want and which class(es) you’ll run (150g, ½ lb, or both). 

For schools, if you’re running a small, single classroom Turnament, one arena can work. For a larger group, adding arenas dramatically reduces total time. A great school-friendly model is four schools partnering: each school buys an arena, then you combine for a bigger regional event. With 4 arenas, you can run up to 32 competitors in ~2 hours. 

2) Turnabot Tournament Structure

Get familiar with the official structure so everyone is playing by the same expectations:

  • Bot rules (size/weight limits, non-destructive requirements, and guidelines that protect arenas and keep the event safe)

  • Match rules (win conditions, time limits, what counts as control, etc.)

  • Bracket options (we recommend a double elimination first phase and a single elimination final phase) 

Turnabot Turnament Match Rules
Kid competing with a Turnabot combat robot

3) Choose the Date and Venue

Pick a date early and choose a venue with enough tables, chairs, and power. Plan the event in blocks (example: check-in/inspection, matches, finals, awards). Decide whether you’re aiming for a short “after-school tournament” or a longer weekend event, then build capacity around that time limit. 

4) Set Up Registration and Communication

Pick a platform to manage sign-ups. We use robotcombatevents.com. Other methods include buildersdb.com, a page on your own site, a Discord server, or even a simple email list can all work depending on the size of your event.

Once you've got a home for registration, make sure it clearly states::

  • Which class(es) you’re running and the max number of competitors

  • What participants should bring (bot, charger, spare parts if any, etc.)

  • The schedule and arrival time

  • Links to the rules and expectations

Send one “welcome email” to registered teams with everything in one place.

A large group of Turnabot combat robots

5) Plan Staffing and Roles 

Turnabot Turnaments can range from small, single-arena classroom events to larger tournaments with four arenas and up to 32 competitors. Students can also take an active role in organizing the event; at one school, middle school students created the brackets on a whiteboard and ran the tournament themselves. As the number of competitors and arenas grows, consider recruiting additional volunteers. Helpful roles may include:

 


Stopwatch

Turnament Director

Keeps the day moving!

Checklist

Check-in, Inspection Lead, & Safety Marshal 

  • Oversees weights/sizing, compliance, safety rules + pit/arena behavior.

     

Queue Manager 

Gets teams ready and on deck

Scorekeeper/Bracket Manager 

Records outcomes, updates bracket

 Announcer/MC

Brings the ENERGY and FUN!

6) Turnabot Turnament Nuts and Bolts 

Turnabot Turnament Setup

Prepare Your Space 

  • Check-in/inspection table near the entrance

  • MC/Projector/Bracket Table

  • Pit area (repair tables + charging station)

  • Spectator viewing area

Kid working on a Turnabot combat robot

Run Check-in + Robot Inspection 

  • Confirm weight class and size

  • Confirm non-destructive compliance

  • Confirm battery and power safety expectations

Squeezy and Slammer competing

Build Your Bracket and Your Timing Plan 

  • Choose the bracket style that matches your time window (we recommend a double elimination first phase and a single elimination final phase).
  • Consider having grudge matches (fun, impromptu battles) between final rounds to allow charging time.
1st place trophy at a Turnabot Turnament

Review Organizer Tips, Checklists, and Other Links