diff --git a/src/main/java/us/tss3/blockparty/arena/Arena.java b/src/main/java/us/tss3/blockparty/arena/Arena.java
index adf4fd0..149dd0a 100644
--- a/src/main/java/us/tss3/blockparty/arena/Arena.java
+++ b/src/main/java/us/tss3/blockparty/arena/Arena.java
@@ -264,8 +264,15 @@ public class Arena {
     }
 
     private void startNextRound() {
-        if (EliminationLogic.isMatchOver(players.size())) {
-            endMatch(players.isEmpty() ? null : (players.isEmpty() ? null : players.get(0)));
+        if (players.isEmpty()) {
+            endMatch(null);
+            return;
+        }
+        // Only treat "down to one player" as a win once at least one round has actually been
+        // played (round > 0). At round 0 (the very first round after the countdown), a single
+        // player is expected whenever min-players is configured as 1 for solo play/testing.
+        if (round > 0 && EliminationLogic.isMatchOver(players.size())) {
+            endMatch(players.get(0));
             return;
         }
         round++;