HUDrift vs Start.gg
In February 2025, Start.gg introduced a 6% platform fee on all paid tournament registrations following its split from Microsoft. For community organisers charging entry fees, this means the platform now takes a cut of every pound or dollar raised. HUDrift's tournament creator is free with no platform fees, no percentage cut, and no entry fee deductions — ever. Start.gg remains the dominant platform for large-scale events with thousands of players, but for grassroots organisers who want to keep 100% of entry revenue, HUDrift is the direct free alternative.
Feature comparison
| Feature | HUDrift | Start.gg |
|---|---|---|
| Zero platform fees on entry revenue | ||
| Free to use | Partial (paid tiers) | |
| OBS overlay integration | ||
| Desktop app | ||
| Tournament brackets | ||
| Discord player signup | ||
| Automated check-ins | Partial | |
| Scorebug / lower thirds | ||
| Caster lineup manager | ||
| Scene control for OBS | ||
| No player account needed | ||
| Large player database | ||
| Fighting game specific tools |
Grassroots organisers who want to keep 100% of their entry fee revenue, and casters who need broadcast production tools alongside their tournament bracket — all free.
Large professional events with complex seeding, thousands of registered players, and established player profiles needing a recognised competitive platform.
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