I see this system like that:
1. First we make championships to rank players on positions
2. Then it it system like in boxing federations- if you want to fight a champion you need to go up in ranks
3. In first championships we can start with any number of participants. Those on top of the Bytro list could go without qualification, those further away will have to qualify against other participants. So lets say we have 11 people.
We do Championships tree of 8 but 6 lowest ranking players will fight for 3 positions in that tree. Simple , effective without unnecessary games.
For 15 only 1 place is secure, 7 others is decided in duels between 14 other competitors
For 16 +- we have tree of 16
for 32+ - tree of 32
for 64 - tree of 64
and so on- powers of number 2. But to Limit work that has to be done in setting up maps I would say we should not go above 16 so 32 competitors at most in setting up championship.
let me know your thoughts