Integrations
Two ways to run tournaments
Whether you prefer talking to an AI assistant or writing code against a REST API, Grassroots has you covered. Pick the integration that matches how you work.
MCP Server
For individuals & communities
Connect any AI assistant — Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot — and run entire tournaments through natural conversation. No coding required.
- +Create tournaments by describing what you want
- +Record results and advance rounds conversationally
- +Ask for standings, ratings, and bracket progress anytime
- +Works with any MCP-compatible AI client
Learn more about MCP
External REST API
For platforms & professional organizers
A full server-to-server API with Bearer auth, idempotent writes, rate limiting, and audit logging. Built for production integrations.
- +12 endpoints covering the full tournament lifecycle
- +Idempotency keys prevent duplicate operations
- +Built-in rate limiting and request audit trail
- +OpenAPI 3.1 schema for code generation
Learn more about the API
Side-by-side comparison
Not sure which to pick? Here's how they differ.
| MCP Server | External API | |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication | Local env var (single user) | Bearer token per integration |
| Transport | stdio (local process) | HTTPS (server-to-server) |
| Idempotency | Not needed (single-user) | Required on all writes |
| Rate limiting | None (local) | 60/min, 1,000/hr per key |
| Best for | Personal use, community events, learning | Platform integrations, automated pipelines |
| Plan requirement | Free or Basic | Pro (premium feature) |
Ready to get started?
Both integrations share the same underlying tournament engine — ELO ratings, Swiss and elimination brackets, and full match history. Choose MCP for simplicity or the API for programmable control.