Written by Glenn | 24 July 2011

It came out on the cuff last week during a Stats Series podcast. I told listeners that in order to win one of the two major tournaments at Evolution 2011, someone would have to win at least 10 games in a row.

Well, it turns out that's not really the case, but it is fairly close.

Think about how many times you've gone to an arcade or played online and have won 10 in a row. Haven't done it? You probably need to. It will likely take a 10-game winning streak to even be considered for a finals appearance.

I'm not sure how many players have signed up for either of the two major tournaments, but from what "Mr. Wizard" Joey Cuellar said on the Wake Up SRK podcast this past weekend, the totals are comparable to what was last year's attendance. So in all reality, we're looking at nearly 1,500 competitors for both games. And the number could be much more.

My analysis below is based off of how past Evolution tournaments have been structured. That is, a "pool" is just a smaller portion of the complete bracket. Then that pool is combined with another pool once its complete, etc. And then in the end the final two play for the title. 

An even bracket would need 1,024 players. Add one more round, and it would be 2,048 players. So for the sake of this mathematical analysis because there probably 1,500 players, let's say there are exactly 2,048 players and you're stuck having to play in a play-in game. After repeatedly going through a fake bracket, here is what you'll need to do in order to reach the finals based on the point of when you lose in the tournament (if you lose).

If you go ...	To reach the finals...
0-1	21-0
1-1	19-0
2-1	17-0
3-1	15-0
4-1	13-0
5-1	11-0
6-1	9-0
7-1	7-0
8-1	5-0
9-1	3-0
10-1	1-0
11-0	In the finals

So no matter what, you will need to win at least 12 games to win the title. Be prepared to grind it out.