Martin
TS Member
It's that time again! Only seems like weeks since the last big, important, generation defining vote, but we must go back to the people once more, to break the deadlock, and decide, once and for all, the TST European Coaster of the year!
Building on last year, things will be pretty familiar, the format shall be the same; 64 coasters, seeded through two group stages and final knockout rounds. Up to two polls a week, each open for one week, with a break over Christmas and New Year, returning to end in time for the new theme park season.
There are several new entries this year, replacing the worst performers from the previous poll. Some are new, some are reopened, and some are older coasters that just weren't included last year but are now for a bit of variety. As this is only the second year, to keep things simple, new entries will have to earn their place and go into the lower rankings directly filling in the spots of rides they've replaced, and last year's top 16 will be the top seeds this time. The worst performing coasters this year will again be replaced next year, and year on year results can be used to determine seeding more 'scientifically'.
Here's a more in depth reminder of the rules here are the rules.
Building on last year, things will be pretty familiar, the format shall be the same; 64 coasters, seeded through two group stages and final knockout rounds. Up to two polls a week, each open for one week, with a break over Christmas and New Year, returning to end in time for the new theme park season.
There are several new entries this year, replacing the worst performers from the previous poll. Some are new, some are reopened, and some are older coasters that just weren't included last year but are now for a bit of variety. As this is only the second year, to keep things simple, new entries will have to earn their place and go into the lower rankings directly filling in the spots of rides they've replaced, and last year's top 16 will be the top seeds this time. The worst performing coasters this year will again be replaced next year, and year on year results can be used to determine seeding more 'scientifically'.
Here's a more in depth reminder of the rules here are the rules.
The first round will be a group stage consisting of the lowest 6 pools. One coaster from each pool will be drawn into each group, for a round of 8 groups of 6. The draw will be made much like that of a football tournament, with coasters pulled out of a hat, but limitations applying to prevent groups including more than one ride from a given park, more than two from a given country or manufacturer, more than two that are overly similar, etc. You will have two votes per group and the top 2 will go through. In the event of a tie, the ride that will win will be the one with the most votes in the replies. If there is still a tie, there will be 48 hours to post a reply voting for your choice. If there is still a tie, further 24 hour voting periods will continue until there is a winner.
The second round will once again be a group stage. There will be 8 groups of 4, each consisting of a top seed, a second seed, and a winner and runner up from the first round. The same methodology will apply to the draw as the first round, with the added rule that two coasters from the same initial group can't meet again. Once again there will be two votes and the top 2 will continue. The same tie break rules apply.
From the last 16, it's 1v1. Two coasters, one vote, one winner. No coasters from the same group can be drawn together in the last 16 but then there are no limits on which coasters can be drawn together.
There will be a maximum 2 polls per week, and each poll will run for one week, going live on the Monday. The first polls will go live later today and then each Monday the next will go live. There will be a few weeks break after the first two group stages from Christmas and New Year, before continuing with the final rounds until the start of March. The break and weeks before opening can accommodate for any delays to to tie breaks (or forgetfulness on my part).
Rules subject to tweaking should it turn out they need to be, my judgement is final etc etc[/spolier]
The first two groups will be up shortly, and this thread will be used for general management, discussion, updating results (hopefully the chart will upload in better quality this year lol), etc
The second round will once again be a group stage. There will be 8 groups of 4, each consisting of a top seed, a second seed, and a winner and runner up from the first round. The same methodology will apply to the draw as the first round, with the added rule that two coasters from the same initial group can't meet again. Once again there will be two votes and the top 2 will continue. The same tie break rules apply.
From the last 16, it's 1v1. Two coasters, one vote, one winner. No coasters from the same group can be drawn together in the last 16 but then there are no limits on which coasters can be drawn together.
There will be a maximum 2 polls per week, and each poll will run for one week, going live on the Monday. The first polls will go live later today and then each Monday the next will go live. There will be a few weeks break after the first two group stages from Christmas and New Year, before continuing with the final rounds until the start of March. The break and weeks before opening can accommodate for any delays to to tie breaks (or forgetfulness on my part).
Rules subject to tweaking should it turn out they need to be, my judgement is final etc etc[/spolier]
The first two groups will be up shortly, and this thread will be used for general management, discussion, updating results (hopefully the chart will upload in better quality this year lol), etc
