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Recreational competitors are being offered the chance to win a seven-figure prize when they take on world-class athletes - including world number one Carlos Alcaraz - in a single-point showdown before the Australian Grand Slam

Tournament officials of the Australian Open have revealed the Seven-Figure Quick-Fire Competition, which will pit a dozen non-professionals against elite athletes in a knockout tournament at the tournament grounds

This Innovative Event Will Work

Participants must play 'the decision-making game' to establish who serves or receives, and the competitor securing the point will advance to the following stage

The winner of the event will receive £490,000

By comparison, players who advanced to the final four of the primary tournaments in the last edition won substantial prize money

Past Similar Events

The American Grand Slam staged a revamped, standalone combined gender tournament in the eighth month which motivated top singles players to take part, with the winners receiving one million US dollars

The Australian Open held its debut quick-fire event in the current season, but the cash prize was sixty thousand Australian dollars and it received minimal attention

Andrey Rublev was the sole elite competitor competing, and his progress came to an end when he sent the sole serving chance permitted into the net in his quarter-final

Event Information

Organizers have not said exactly how the event will function, but it is projected to mirror a similar format to this year's edition

The top competitors will be allowed to make one service and the everyday players on two occasions - as is the norm in standard play

While it is not certain how the bracket will work, there will be five knockout rounds and the location will be the main stadium rather than the secondary venue

The final stages will be held in a nighttime schedule instead of early afternoon

Participation Details

Local players - or international players who have signed up with the governing body - can participate in 'quick-match event' events at their community centers

The winners of the grassroots tournaments will then go into a selection process, with one amateur player from every region and area picked to compete in the 'final competition' in a night session on the specified date

There will also be a preliminary competition in the final month which non-professionals, developing professionals, famous personalities and sport stars can enter

It commences on Monday, 12 January and the pair of champions will go into the midweek 'grand finale' with the additional everyday players and top-ranked athletes

"Whether you're an amateur or a pro, the overall victor will walk away with the award. Registrations will begin shortly at clubs nationwide"

Tournament officials mentioned there were "more big names to be unveiled imminently", while the event portal said "famous personalities" would be involved