The term is primarily associated with the NCAA tournament, where 68 teams compete for the national title. The tournament is divided into regions, with teams playing in a knockout format. The winners of the regional finals advance to the Final Four, which is typically held in a predetermined location. The Final Four games consist of two semifinal matches, with the winners advancing to the championship game.
Final Four Example
For example, in the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Final Four consisted of Gonzaga, Baylor, Houston, and UCLA. Gonzaga played UCLA in one semifinal, while Baylor faced Houston in the other, ultimately leading to Baylor winning the championship game.