What to buy for an arcade tournament

An arcade tournament needs more than arcade machines and games. You also need enough controllers, screens, cables, power distribution, registration supplies, and clear scoring materials for every match. Buy or collect the technical equipment early enough to test the network and power before doors open. For food and drinks, use the confirmed participant count and add about 10% extra so volunteers and late additions are covered.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
High tablesqty 4
Tableclothqty 8

Equipment

Arcade cabinetsqty 8
Game consolesqty 4
Monitorsqty 4
Game controllersqty 8
HDMI cablesqty 8
Power stripsqty 12
Extension cordsqty 10
Cable traysqty 12
Network switch
Ethernet cablesqty 12
Wi-Fi router
Laptop
Printer
Speakersqty 2
Microphone

Registration

Clipboardsqty 6
Pensqty 30
Name badgesqty 60
Wristbandsqty 60
Scorecardsqty 100
Flip chart
Flipchart markersqty 6
Prize trophiesqty 3

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 70
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving boardsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Festoon lightingqty 4
Directional signsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Filled Sandwiches - 48 pieces
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Mini wraps - 48 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 1 kilogram
- Back ham - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Salty popcorn - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Ice tea - 5 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 4 bottles
- Energy drink - 24 cans
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Mints - 1 box
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Plan one controller and one scorecard for each active player, plus at least two spare controllers and 10% extra scorecards. Missing replacements can stop a match faster than a missing prize.
Count power strips and extension cords by playing area, not by venue. Give each zone its own power strip and keep at least 2 spare extension cords available for registration, screens, or a machine placed farther from the outlet.
Bring one HDMI cable and one Ethernet cable per connected setup, then add 2 spare cables of each type. Test every cable, monitor, console, and network connection before packing them by zone.
Prepare registration materials for 110% of the participant limit: one badge or wristband, one pen-ready registration entry, and one clipboard position per expected player. Pack the printer, laptop, and blank supplies together so check-in does not stall.
Buy tableware for every confirmed guest plus 10% extra. Allow at least one glass, plate, and cutlery set per person, and keep trophies or other prizes packed separately so they are not misplaced during setup.

Frequently asked questions

How many controllers do I need for an arcade tournament?: Plan for one controller per player in each simultaneous match. Add at least two spare controllers, or roughly 10% extra when the tournament has more than 20 players.
How many HDMI and Ethernet cables should I buy?: Use one HDMI cable and one Ethernet cable for every connected console or screen setup. Add two spare HDMI cables and two spare Ethernet cables, then test them at least one day before the tournament.
How much tableware do I need for an arcade tournament?: Count one drinking glass, plate, and cutlery set per confirmed participant, then add 10% extra. For 40 guests, prepare 44 of each item so volunteers and unexpected additions are covered.
When should I buy the equipment for an arcade tournament?: Buy or reserve arcade cabinets, consoles, monitors, network equipment, and cables at least 1–2 weeks before the event. Finish a full power and network test no later than the day before setup.

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