What's the difference between 1v1 and Group tournaments?
1v1 is you against one other participant, and the winner takes the prize pool. Group tournaments have three or more participants, and the top three are paid.
Applies to every Deku gameUpdated September 15, 2026
| 1v1 | Group | |
|---|---|---|
| Players | Exactly 2 | At least 3. The entry screen shows the maximum. |
| Who gets paid | The winner takes 100% of the prize pool | 1st gets 60%, 2nd 30%, 3rd 10% |
| Entry | Cash only | Cash, or acorns in free tournaments |
| Platform fee | 15% of entry fees | 17.5% of entry fees |
How every tournament runs
- Pick a format and an entry fee.
- You join the next open tournament that matches, and you start playing straight away. No waiting for anyone else.
- Other participants can join the same tournament for 15 minutes after the first one joins, and each plays the same board on their own clock.
- When everyone is done, or time runs out, scores are final and prizes are paid automatically.
Before you enter, the app shows the entry fee, the maximum number of players, the prize pool and how it is split.
See How are prizes calculated? and section 8.1 of our Fairness of Play disclosures.
Still need help?
Email us from the address on your Deku account and we will get back to you.