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Ok so we are running an Pathfinder Event featuring arena combat..
why you say ?
try out new builds
allow some PvP
try out teamwork feats
gladiators are awesome...
But anyhow I have been thinking of numerous challenges.( all characters will be level 10)
1 vs 1
2 vs 2
1 vs monster
team events
random events ?
we have a gladiator arena terrain to use... everyone is bringing minis
Go to Arena terrain.
any ideas on some good encounters in the ring...
I keep thinking of a hill-giant monk... lol
I participated in an arena based play-by-post (which unfortunately never finished) that might be worth skimming through the game play thread for some ideas: http://paizo.com/campaigns/DUNGEONATORSSeason1
It was two teams + monsters in a giant arena full of ruined buildings featuring:
A pride of lions (so traditional!)
An invisible manticore (5th level, PCs couldn't be spell casters, so invisibility was definitely a threat)
TRAPS!
Definitely a highlight was a flying NPC character dropping a Feather Token: Swan Boat from high above the arena as a deadly AoE attack.
And the lions. Nothing like an 80' charge out of nowhere with a Bite/Claw/Claw/Rake/Rake + Grab on the end of it to force a sudden change of plans!
In past gladiator-based events I've run or been part of we've run a lot of fights like you've suggested: one-on-one, pairs, and even the traditional lions.
We have, just like ancient Rome, flooded the arena for mock sea battles (gotta use those balance, climb, and maybe swim skills). Roman battles inspired us to use chariot races/combat.
Real popular, with us at least, was a Grand Melee. Everyone (about 40 combatants) in a last man standing scenario. Preparation is the key here. Have various builds ready to fight. Have players control the enemy as well to speed things along.
King of the Hill battles were also fun. Team needs to hold platform in center of arena from all comers for a set period of time. Capture the flag can be fun too. Make sure with these types you have interesting terrain, so it just doesn't turn into a slugfest.
Another fun type was pit fights where you hide weapons and shields on the battlefield. You have to fight with what you can find, which could be everything from a small-sized dagger to a large greatclub or simply go bare-knuckles on 'em.
Dotting.
Last man standing sounds interesting... Probably letting players of dead PCs take over any NPCs that might still be around.
But as the GM, you have to be careful to apply consequent and consistent ruling, and probably discuss the PC builds with them before play, to make sure that everyone is on the same level.
We did a 6v6 as part of a campaign, at approx level 12.
The 6 paladins who all had shield other cast on each other and fought as a wedge were pretty gross.