---
title: How to Set Up a Qualifier Event in PT
last_updated: 2026-06-29
description: Learn how to set up and run qualifying, main draw, consolation, and bonus events in tournaments using single elimination formats.
url: https://pickleball.com/docs/en/72000649950-running-a-qualifier-event
---

# How to Set Up a Qualifier Event in PT

A qualifier event in Pickleball Tournaments (PT) is a bracket where players compete for spots in a Main Draw. This guide covers two common qualifier scenarios and how to configure the events for each.

## Table of Contents

1. [Scenario 1 — Qualifier feeds into Main Draw](https://pickleball.com/docs/en/72000649950-how-to-set-up-a-qualifier-event-in-pt#scenario_1_qualifier_feeds_into_a_main_draw_with_optional_consolation)
2. [Scenario 2 — Main Draw feeds into Bonus Draw](https://pickleball.com/docs/en/72000649950-how-to-set-up-a-qualifier-event-in-pt#scenario_2_main_draw_feeds_into_a_bonus_draw)
3. [Frequently Asked Questions](https://pickleball.com/docs/en/72000649950-how-to-set-up-a-qualifier-event-in-pt#frequently_asked_questions)
4. [Related Resources](https://pickleball.com/docs/en/72000649950-how-to-set-up-a-qualifier-event-in-pt#related_resources)

***

## Scenario 1: Qualifier feeds into a Main Draw (with optional Consolation)

In this setup, players register for the Main Draw. A set number are moved to a Qualifier bracket. Qualifier winners advance to the Main Draw; losers may move to a Consolation bracket.

### Main Draw event settings

- Format: your preferred format (round robin, elimination, etc.)
- **Link to Parent Event:** None
- **Include in Registration Cost:** Yes or No (your choice)
- **Lock Public Registrations:** No

### Qualifier event settings

- Format: Single Elimination
- **Link to Parent Event:** Main Draw
- **Include in Registration Cost:** No
- **Event Cost:** $0
- **Lock Public Registrations:** Yes
- After saving: Edit the Qualifier event and set **Is Qualifier** to Yes. Set the **Winner to** dropdown to Main Draw (with qualifying criteria) and the **Loser to** dropdown to Consolation (if applicable).

### Consolation event settings (if used)

- Format: your preferred format
- **Link to Parent Event:** Main Draw
- **Include in Registration Cost:** No
- **Event Cost:** $0
- **Lock Public Registrations:** Yes

***

## Scenario 2: Main Draw feeds into a Bonus Draw

In this setup, the Main Draw itself acts as a qualifier. A set number of losers from the Main Draw are moved to a Bonus event.

### Main Draw event settings (when used as qualifier)

- Format: Single Elimination (required when feeding a Bonus Draw)
- **Link to Parent Event:** None
- After saving: Edit the Main Draw event and set **Is Qualifier** to Yes. Set the **Loser to** dropdown to Bonus Draw with the criteria for how many losers move.

### Bonus Draw event settings

- Format: your preferred format
- **Link to Parent Event:** Main Draw
- **Include in Registration Cost:** No
- **Event Cost:** $0
- **Lock Public Registrations:** Yes

> **Warning:** All events linked to a parent event (Qualifier, Consolation, Bonus) must have Lock Public Registrations set to Yes. Players are moved into these events by the system — they should not be able to self-register.

***

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Do players register for the Qualifier event directly?

Players register for the Main Draw only. The Qualifier, Consolation, and Bonus events have public registration locked — players are moved into those events by PT based on the qualifier criteria you configure.

### Does the Main Draw format matter for Scenario 2?

The Main Draw must be Single Elimination when it feeds a Bonus Draw. Other formats are not supported for this scenario.

***

## Related Resources

- [How to Set Up an Event in Your Tournament in PT](https://pickleball.com/docs/en/72000633417-how-to-set-up-my-event-in-a-tournament)
- [How to Verify Your Brackets in Live Console](https://pickleball.com/docs/en/72000617752-how-to-verify-my-brackets-in-live-console)
- [How to Merge or Unmerge Events in PT](https://pickleball.com/docs/en/72000615514-how-to-merge-or-unmerge-events-in-pt)
- [How to Create Separate Playoffs After a Merged Round Robin Event in PT](https://pickleball.com/docs/en/72000644027-creating-separate-playoffs-after-a-merged-round-robin-event)

***

Questions about qualifier events? Email [support@pickleball.com](mailto:support@pickleball.com).