Translation guide
A competition with a series of games or matches, often leading to a final winner. Japanese has several words depending on the type of competition, scale, and format.
A structured competition where individuals or teams compete in a series of matches, common in sports, martial arts, and games.
The most common and general word for a tournament or large competition. Used for sports, games, and various contests.
There's a tennis tournament next month.
He won the shogi tournament.
Loanword from English, specifically refers to a knockout-style tournament bracket. Often used in sports and esports.
This tournament is single-elimination format.
Championship tournament, often used for official or prestigious competitions determining a champion.
I will participate in the world championship tournament.
A competition specifically for martial arts like judo, kendo, karate, or sumo.
A competition in video games or esports.
A tournament held at a school or local community level.
大会 is the broadest term for any competition or tournament. トーナメント specifically implies a knockout bracket format. Use 大会 unless you want to emphasize the bracket structure.
While understood, トーナメント is not as common as 大会 for general tournaments. It can sound like a direct translation from English if used inappropriately.
The next tournament will be held in Osaka.
I'm watching an esports tournament.
水泳の競技会が来週あります。
There's a swimming tournament next week.