How to Pick Random Winners or Split a List into Teams

Choosing who goes first, who wins a giveaway, or which team you are on invites arguments. A random draw settles it.

Two modes

• Pick: draws the number of winners you ask for from the list.
• Teams: splits everyone into the number of teams you choose, as evenly as possible.

For example, splitting six names (Ann, Bo, Cy, Dee, Eli, Fay) into two teams gives two teams of three, such as Team 1: Ann, Fay, Bo and Team 2: Eli, Cy, Dee. Every run shuffles differently.

Using the tool

1. Open the Random Team Picker and enter one name per line.
2. Choose Pick or Teams, and enter how many winners or teams.
3. Read the result and copy it.

You need at least one name. The draw uses your browser’s randomness and nothing is sent anywhere.

Keeping a draw fair

• Agree the list and the number of winners before drawing.
• Draw once, in front of everyone if you can, and keep the result as it appeared.
• For a public giveaway, say how winners were chosen, and check local rules about prize draws.

When teams cannot be even

With seven people and two teams, one team will have four. If skill matters, a random split will not balance it, so consider drafting instead. For picking a plain number, use the random number generator.

Frequently asked questions