[...] Pseudo-random :P Computers can't do random numbers. But as we first assign (pseudo)-random numbers with PHP, and then (pseudo)-randomly match the numbers in pairs with Ruby, it's random enough for me.

[...] *face palm* great input as always.

[...] 0.o Computers have had random number generators for longer than they've had keyboards

[...] 0.o Computers have had random number generators for longer than they've had keyboards

Yes, the magic of the FA Cup, I went to every round of Portsmouth's winning year 8)

[...] Still, it isn't really random, the bot still follows some principals by assigning those numbers. After all a bot would need to have self conciousness to assign totally random numbers. And totally random doesn't really exist.

[...] Still, it isn't really random, the bot still follows some principals by assigning those numbers. After all a bot would need to have self conciousness to assign totally random numbers. And totally random doesn't really exist.

[...] [...] Also, it most definitely is random. Each team is randomly assigned a number by the bot - these are then shared in the channel. The IRC bot then picks the teams live in the channel. [...]

[...] +1 If the cup wasn't random at all, how would you go about the initial draw?

I think it adds a bit more excitement to the cup... a little magic like the FA Cup draw :D

Cups do not interest me greatly. The 'main cup' being since the 3rd I take it, to keep this formula. Still curious as to why have it like this, if it IS actually random, is there not a chance of having top teams fighting each other in round 1 or 2 as opposed to a final, and having some fun division 6 team versus dignitas in the final, as great as it sounds; I doubt it would be much of a spectator match. Such as the ESH lower bracket finals last night; would it have had such a good game being paired off using this random system? Just thoughts...