For Debaters
You've got opinions worth hearing. We built a format where they actually get scored.
Here's What Happens When You Show Up
You show up. You get a topic and a side. You have 5-10 minutes to build your case. Then you stand up and argue it in front of judges who score you on six criteria. It doesn't matter if you've never debated before — the format is designed so anyone can walk in and compete.
How It Works
From finding your first event to climbing the rankings
Find Events Near You
Browse upcoming debates in your city. Filter by skill level, format, or topic category.
Browse EventsRegister for a Debate
Sign up for debates that fit your schedule. Topics and sides are assigned randomly on the spot - no extensive prep needed.
View CalendarPrepare During Prep Time
Get 5-10 minutes of prep time once your topic is revealed. Some events share topics in advance for deeper research. Structure your argument and identify key points.
Practice NowCompete in Structured Format
Follow the debate structure: constructive speech, cross-examination, rebuttals, and closing. Judges score your performance live.
See FormatReceive Scores & Feedback
Get detailed scores across 6 criteria plus written feedback from judges. Learn what to improve for next time.
View CriteriaTrack Progress & Rank Up
Watch your win rate improve, climb city and national leaderboards, and earn achievements.
See RankingsOur Debate Format
Debates range from 15-60 minutes, with 28 minutes being a typical standard format. Each includes constructive speeches, cross-examination, and rebuttals. Team sizes are flexible - from 1v1 solo debates to large teams, including asymmetric formats (like 3v2). Check each event for specific details.
View Full Format DetailsWhat is Cross-Examination?
Cross-examination (CX) is a questioning period that follows each constructive speech. During CX:
- The questioner asks questions only - no statements or arguments allowed
- The respondent must answer - evasion looks bad to judges
- It's for clarification and exposure - reveal weaknesses in your opponent's case
Pro tip: Prepare 2-3 killer questions for CX. Ask questions that force your opponent to either contradict themselves or concede a point. Save your arguments for the rebuttal speeches.
You don't need to be strong in all six areas on your first night. Most people start with one or two and build the rest over time. Judges know when someone is new and score accordingly. The criteria are there to help you grow, not to gatekeep.
How You're Scored
Every debate is scored on six criteria. Understanding these will help you improve faster.
Argument Quality
Strength of claims, evidence, and logical reasoning
Tips to improve:
- Use real evidence and statistics
- Avoid logical fallacies
- Make clear, specific claims
Refutation
Effectiveness at addressing opponent's points
Tips to improve:
- Directly respond to their strongest points
- Explain why their evidence is flawed
- Don't ignore their case
Delivery
Speaking clarity, confidence, and engagement
Tips to improve:
- Maintain eye contact
- Project your voice
- Avoid filler words (um, uh, like)
Organization
Structure and clarity of your case
Tips to improve:
- Signpost your arguments (First, Second, Finally)
- Group related points
- Have a clear roadmap
Persuasiveness
Overall impact and conviction
Tips to improve:
- Tell stories that illustrate your points
- Show passion for your position
- Conclude with a strong call to action
Evidence & Research
Quality and integration of supporting evidence
Tips to improve:
- Cite credible sources
- Integrate evidence naturally
- Use variety of evidence types
After Your Debate
The debate doesn't end when time runs out - here's what happens next
Receive Your Scores
Judges submit scores across all 6 criteria. You'll see your aggregated score (averaged across all judges) plus a breakdown by category.
Get Judge Feedback
Judges can leave written comments highlighting strengths and areas to improve. Review these carefully - they're gold for your growth.
Track Your Progress
Your profile shows your debate history, win rate, and scoring trends over time. See which criteria you excel at and where to focus.
Plan Your Next Debate
Use training tools to work on weak areas identified in feedback. Then find your next event and put those improvements to the test!
Level Up Your Skills
Practice with AI, watch tutorials, and get instant feedback
Track Your Progress
Every debate you compete in helps you climb the rankings
Rankings & Leaderboards
Elo-Style Rating System
Your rating adjusts based on opponent strength
City Rankings
Compete with debaters in your area
National Leaderboard
See where you rank nationwide
Stats & Analytics
Win/Loss Record
Track your overall win rate
Scoring Breakdown
See which criteria you excel at
Progress Over Time
Watch your improvement with charts
Explore More
Learn about other roles in the SuperDebate community
Ready to Start Debating?
No extensive prep needed. Topics assigned on the spot. Just show up and compete.
New to debate? Check out our Quick Start Guide