No matter where you’re stationed, it’s easy to join your fellow service members for some Esports tournament action this Summer.
Wednesday, July 8th is National Video Game Day.
Whether you play Madden, Call of Duty: Warzone, League of Legends, Fortnite, Valorant, or Apex Legends, here is your excuse to sit back, relax and enjoy your favorite games in observance of a growing national holiday.
More than just improving quality of life through R&R, video games help sharpen many crucial abilities: tactical decision-making, strategic resource management, and hardened reflexes are all valuable personal skills that can be gained through a video game hobby.
But let’s not also forget the advantages of teamwork, communication, and cooperation toward a shared purpose that also can be experienced through multiplayer online gaming.
While traditional sports remain on hiatus during these times of social distancing, this Video Game Day, Armed Forces Entertainment wants to keep the spirit of friendly competition alive with an introduction to the world of Esports.
More than ever, video games allow us to connect with friends, family members, and fellow service members, no matter the remote and isolated locations that life takes us. And by joining a dedicated community like Military Gaming League, or by participating in hosted tournaments through your local MWR, you can boost your gaming hobby to the next level.
Whether you want to become the next tournament champion, or simply want to find new people to play with, here are some ways you can dive deeper into the world of video games and Esports this summer.
Helpful Tips and Tools to Get Started
New to the world of Esports, or interested in finding a community for your favorite video games? Check out the following resources below.
Discord is a free instant messaging and VOIP service designed with gaming in mind. Discord is organized into topic-based channels where you can chat and share content about your favorite games and interests.
How to create a Discord account and discover gaming communities
Twitch is a streaming platform that allows users to watch or broadcast video gameplay. Curious about a new game, or just want to learn more about your favorites? Twitch is a great resource for engagement and discovery.
How to create a Twitch account
Participate in the Army MWR Esports Online Soldier Showdown
Open to active duty Army and Army National Guard Soldiers, the Army MWR Online Soldier Showdown is a virtual online gaming tournament designed to be played within the comfort of your home or barracks. Your local Army MWR facility does not need to be currently operational to join in on the action.
Featured video games in the tournament include Call of Duty, Rocket League, Fortnite, FIFA, Madden, and more. Tournament registration begins every Wednesday at noon CST during the length of the tournament schedule.
Prizes:
Each week, tournament winners from each region will receive an Acer Nitro Backpack, as well as an Acer Predator Gaming Mouse, courtesy of Acer.
The top 3 finalists will win a prize package which includes a VIP “Day in the Life of a Gamer” Experience at Complexity Gaming Headquarters in Frisco, TX.
Event Calendar:
- Week 1: Saturday, July 4, Madden (PS4)
- Week 2: Saturday, July 11, Rocket League (1v1)
- Week 3: Saturday, July 18, NBA2K (Xbox)
- Week 4: Saturday, July 25, Fortnite
- Week 5: Saturday, August 1, FIFA (PS4)
- Week 6: Saturday, August 8, Call of Duty (1v1)
- Week 7: Saturday, August 15, Madden (Xbox)
- Week 8: Saturday, August 22, Brawlhalla
- Week 9: Saturday, August 29, NBA2K (PS4)
- Week 10: Saturday, September 5, FIFA (Xbox)
- Week 11: Saturday, September 12, TBD
- Week 12: Saturday, September 19, TBD
Visit Army MWR Esports for more information about current and upcoming tournaments, and register here for the Soldier Showdown.
Join the Navy MWR Esports League for Worldwide Online Tournaments
For our sailors out there, Navy MWR Esports regularly hosts Esports tournaments. This July, Navy MWR is hosting a series of Call of Duty: Warzone Tournaments, sponsored by USAA. The Navy MWR Esports team continually hosts new tournaments and events, so be sure to follow them year-round on Twitch.
Prizes:
Each tournament first-place champion will receive a NEX gift card, courtesy of Navy Exchange.
Call of Duty: Warzone Multiplayer Tournaments (PS4, Xbox, PC)
- Week 1: July 2 at 6 p.m. Eastern Time (Registration Closed)
- Week 2: July 10 at 6 p.m. ET
- Week 3: July 11 at 6 p.m. CET (Central European Time)
- Week 4: July 17 at 7 p.m. CT
Sign up for the tournaments here. The competition is open to authorized Navy MWR patrons ages 18+, with priority given to active duty Sailors.
Check out live tournament broadcasts and replays at the Navy MWR Twitch channel.
Join the Military Gaming League to Play with Fellow Service members and Veterans
As a member of the armed services, you’re already an American hero, so why shouldn’t you be a gaming legend too?
The Military Gaming League is an Esports community built exclusively for America’s heroes, consisting of active duty, Reserve, National Guard service members and veterans. Registering with the MGL keeps tournaments and multiplayer 100% exclusive to US military and veterans.
With an engaged player community and an active Discord, the MGL is the perfect opportunity to engage in friendly gaming competitions with US service members past-and-present, at military installations all over the globe. From Dungeons and Dragons to Destiny 2, MGL members engage in a wide variety of games and activities to fit your niche.
MGL is not affiliated with any U.S. federal entity including the Department of Defense, or any branch of the United States Armed Forces, but they are a dedicated group of gamers and service members.
Check out the Military Gaming League Twitch Stream.
Armed Forces Entertainment
Armed Forces Entertainment is working hard to bring you the best in entertainment, news and content for our service members stationed around the globe. Keep up-to-date on the latest happenings by subscribing to our newsletter.
Check out our HOMEGROWN video series, with exclusive at-home performances from your favorite AFE tour veterans including gnash, Operation Song, and Chris Kroeze.
