Countdown to A Bowl of Hot Soup

I confess, the initial title was Countdown to a Tournament.

1000 USD first prize
100 ringgit tenth prize
80 ringgit fee
48 entrants to date
9 countries
7 games (if you make it to the end)
5 continents
3 days
1 guy seriously looking for trouble

I must say, after looking at the entrant list, I am a bit doubtful. I think a bit is an understatement.

Good luck to myself.