Here's a suggestion on format, if the matches are handicapped...
Have them play single elimination qualifiers in groups of four. The winner of the group gets into the second stage. The losers can re-enter and get into a later qualifier group.
You can start play as soon as you have four players signed up. (If Bill and Steve are buddies and don't want to be in the same group, one of them can hang back.) As soon as you have another four, maybe including some who lost in the first group, start another group.
The qualifiers stop at maybe 9pm and the second stage -- also single elim -- starts when the last prelims finish.
The players who qualify earliest get the byes, if any. They also get to match up while they're waiting for the second stage.
If someone enters the first group and loses early, it's possible they may enter two more times, time permitting.
If someone can't show up until 8PM, they can still play. If four players show up by 5:30, they can start then.
This format keeps people on the tables with lots of play and as little waiting as possible.
Have them play single elimination qualifiers in groups of four. The winner of the group gets into the second stage. The losers can re-enter and get into a later qualifier group.
You can start play as soon as you have four players signed up. (If Bill and Steve are buddies and don't want to be in the same group, one of them can hang back.) As soon as you have another four, maybe including some who lost in the first group, start another group.
The qualifiers stop at maybe 9pm and the second stage -- also single elim -- starts when the last prelims finish.
The players who qualify earliest get the byes, if any. They also get to match up while they're waiting for the second stage.
If someone enters the first group and loses early, it's possible they may enter two more times, time permitting.
If someone can't show up until 8PM, they can still play. If four players show up by 5:30, they can start then.
This format keeps people on the tables with lots of play and as little waiting as possible.