Army gamers from across the country and overseas are competing in Soldier Showdown 8, the Army’s annual online esports tournament.
The 14-week competition, hosted by U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, runs through October and features Call of Duty: Warzone and Fortnite. Warzone matches continue Aug. 15 and Aug. 22, with the Aug. 22 competition scheduled to stream live on Twitch, while Fortnite begins Aug. 29 and continues through the tournament finale Oct. 17.
Now in its eighth year, Soldier Showdown has become a regular event for Soldiers interested in competitive gaming. The tournament is open to Active-Duty Soldiers, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, and eligible Active-Duty personnel stationed on Army joint bases.
Players do not need previous esports experience to enter. Soldiers who regularly compete online can participate alongside those who play Warzone or Fortnite during their free time.
Most of the tournament takes place online, which allows Soldiers to compete from their own duty stations and face players serving in other states or countries. This can bring together people from different units and installations who may never otherwise meet during their military careers.
Tim Hockenberry, U.S. Army Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program manager, said gaming helps Soldiers connect and build lasting relationships outside of their military duties. He also said Soldier Showdown has become a yearly highlight for many participants, according to a GameSquare announcement about this year’s tournament.
As the tournament progresses, eight finalists will advance to an in-person championship in Frisco, Texas. Six competitors will qualify through tournament play, while two others will be selected as wild cards.
Finalists will receive gaming gear, gift cards, and tickets to an NFL game. Three grand prize winners will receive additional prizes, and the first-place finisher will receive a seven-night stay at an Armed Forces Recreation Center of their choice.
Soldier Showdown is connected to the Army’s Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program, commonly known as BOSS, which organizes recreation and quality-of-life activities for Soldiers. Competitive gaming has become part of that programming, placing an activity many Service Members already enjoy into an Army-wide event.
A Soldier playing after duty can enter from an installation in the United States or overseas and compete against others from across the Army community. Some participants may be focused on reaching the finals, while others may want to see how they stack up against other players.
The tournament also creates another way for Soldiers separated by distance to remain involved with gaming communities. Friends who move to different installations can continue playing together, while competitors can meet new players through matches that reach far beyond their own units.
With Fortnite competition still ahead and several weeks remaining before the finale, eligible Service Members still have time to enter.
Registration remains open through Army MWR, where players can also find eligibility requirements, tournament rules, and the remaining schedule.
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