The format currently splits 20 robots into 2 groups of 10. Each robot will fight 3 others from its group in the group stage, with all 30 matchups known before the start of the day.

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In this group stage, if a fight makes it to 2 minutes with both robots still mobile, the referee will make a judgement on whether one robot can be called a clear winner or if it is too close to call. The arena marshall may then tilt the referee's decision if they disagree, changing the result from "too close to call" to one clear winner or vice versa, but not from one winner to a different winner.

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Points are awarded as follows:

0 - did not start the fight

1 - loss by KO or tapout

2 - loss by judge's decision

3 - too close to call

4 - win by judge's decision

5 - win by KO / opponent taps out

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The 4 robots from each group with the most points contest the quarter finals. 

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Tiebreakers for robots level on points are:

1. head to head result if only 2 robots are tied

2. most wins

3. strength of schedule (points earned by each robot's opponents)

4a. if all robots involved in a tie will progress, drawing of lots

4b. if some robots have to be eliminated, 1 minute tiebreaker fight, starting with pit open

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If any tiebreaker leaves exactly 2 robots still tied, their head to head result is immediately checked - if they fought and there was a winner, the winner places ahead of the loser.