Tournaments

Competition in the International Public Debate Association (IPDA) takes place at tournaments hosted by participating universities across the United States. Commonly, these events run from Friday to Sunday, with team division (TIPDA) debate taking place on Friday and all four individual divisions competing from Saturday to Sunday. The number of preliminary debate rounds ranges from four in the team division to six or seven in the individual divisions. These preliminary rounds are immediately followed by single-elimination rounds, where the top debaters compete against one another for the championship title. Awards are presented for speaking points accumulated and rounds won, both on an individual and overall program level.

All members of the DBU Debate Program are required to attend six preliminary tournaments during the academic year as well as the IPDA National Championship Tournament in the Spring.

WHAT TO EXPECT

dbu students during Student and Welcome Transition Week

Nationwide Competition

8+ tournaments a year
Travel through the Southeastern United States
Weekend competitions

mentoring meeting happening in the coffeeshop

All Expenses Paid

University-arranged transportation
Hotels
Meals
Tournament fees

dbu grad student anticipating her future

Rewards and Recognition

Local & regional competitions
National championship tournament
Individual & overall awards
Season-long rankings

Fall 2025 Schedule

Schedule Pending

Spring 2026 Schedule

Schedule Pending