Abstract: A tournament method (10) is conducted in two phases, in which a plurality of competitors (22) compete for a prize. A first phase comprises conducting a plurality of lower-tier tournaments (28), while a second phase comprises conducting a upper-tier tournament (30). Each lower-tier tournament (28) is kept small by limiting how many competitors (22) may be assigned according to a threshold number. The upper-tier tournament (30) is kept small, since only lower-tier winners are allowed to compete, therein. The prize is significantly larger than the threshold number multiplied by an entry fee paid by each competitor (22). The threshold number ensures that the prize is worth more than the sum of the entry fees for any one lower-tier tournament 28. In this manner, the threshold number allows the entry fee to be minimized and the prize to be maximized, while keeping each tournament (28,30) small, manageable, and enjoyable.