The Main Issue: Infinite Grind
Right now, success in Gauntlet is determined more by who can play the most games rather than who is actually the best player. This also limits how many people can realistically participate.
On the first day, some players managed 22 games in 24 hours, meaning they barely slept. This isn’t sustainable. Players feel forced to grind non-stop or risk falling behind, leading to burnout rather than a true competitive experience.
Flaws in the Current Point System
The current structure heavily favors only top placements:
1st - 8 points
2nd - 4 points
3rd - 2 points
4th - 1 point
This creates an unhealthy meta where most players play for 1st place, since anything less isn’t competitive. Some players forfeit early when they think they can’t win, which lowers the overall quality of games.
Proposed Solution
- Extend the Tournament to a Weekly Format
Instead of a 3-day grind, Gauntlet should be a weekly event to improve competition and sustainability.
A larger prize pool (~$1,000) would allow more paid positions, making participation more rewarding:
1st - $340
2nd - $200
3rd - $150
4th - $100
5th - $60
6th - $50
7th - $40
8th - $30
9th - $20
10th - $10
More paid positions mean more players stay engaged, keeping competition high without making it all about grinding.
- Switch to an Average Point System
Instead of total points, rankings should be based on average score per game.
Players must play at least 20 games per week to qualify.
Their average points per game determines their final standing.
New point distribution:
1st - 10 points
2nd - 8 points
3rd - 7 points
4th - 6 points
5th - 4 points
6th - 3 points
7th - 2 points
8th - 1 point
This approach rewards consistency and skill instead of just non-stop grinding. Players who perform well but can’t play 10+ hours a day still have a fair chance to compete.
Final Thoughts
Right now, the system only benefits 4-5 players who can grind the most while still playing at a high level. Over time, burnout will lead to fewer participants, weakening the competitive scene.
The proposed changes—more paid positions and an average score system—would:
Make Gauntlet more competitive
Reduce excessive grinding
Make it more accessible for a wider player base
Update: After Hollow pointed out that this system could be abused by smurfs, there should also be a rule that smurfs do not count towards the rewards.