Ok, so I am thinking that for the first few levels (i.e. your level in the game), they must modify the odds in your favor or something. I just became eligible to battle about a week ago, and I don't think I was eligible for the tournament, but I have been battling for the Furylord Dragon and have only lost 3 times.
I hope this trend continues as I only need to win 10 more battles to get him, but I know he leaves soon! I don't have any champions or anything to battle with yet, so it seems quite impossible that I am breezing through these battles with the extremely small number of dragons that I do have. I got a Glitterspark (Arcane) in my "welcome value package," and she has performed extremely well. The only other dragons I have so far that are not just basic elements/colors are: Honeymoon (Heartbreak - does well), Gildclaw, Venus (cosmic - did ok), Snowhound (royal), and Nightfire (royal). I just hatched my Dragon King so will now also have rainbow, Diamond, and another Royal type.
Has anyone else noticed that the battles are easier when your account is brand new?