I am actually leaning on making the matches different. There will be 3 racers, and one referee. The referee will just sit there and make sure everything goes smooth, as well as take the results at the end. The winner of the match will be the only one to advance. If there is a two-way tie, then they will both advance. If there is a three-way (which I'm not sure is even possible) then the match will be re-played.
How does this sound?
Oh, and for IRC it will probably be in #MKDS_Tournament on EFnet
EDIT:
Actually, this method seems too complicated. I am probably going to go with the previous point method.
So what is the official method then? How are you gonna choose the referee?
I'm ok with no hack or cheat (never used it), but how are you gonna see if someone is cheating or not?
Since there are participants from all around the world, what time are we gonna meet in IRC?
Isn't it better to start the first two rounds by regrouping people from the same continent? It would be easier to set the time of the match.
anyway, thanks for doing this. That's a great idea! can't wait to participate.