What to Buy for an E-sports Tournament

An e-sports tournament needs more than gaming PCs and a game to play. You need reliable network equipment, spare peripherals, power distribution, registration supplies, presentation gear and food service items. Plan one complete gaming setup per player or team position, then add backups for the equipment most likely to fail. This shopping list covers the practical items to bring or buy before participants arrive, including cables, printing supplies, drinks and serving equipment.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 18
Chairsqty 40
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 6

Equipment

Gaming PCsqty 16
Gaming monitorsqty 16
Gaming keyboardsqty 16
Gaming miceqty 16
Gaming headsetsqty 16
Webcam
Projector
Projection screen
Network Switchesqty 2
Wi-Fi router
Ethernet cablesqty 24
Extension cordsqty 12
Power stripsqty 16
Backup controllersqty 4
USB sticksqty 4
Printer
Printer paper

Lighting

LED lightsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 30
Serving traysqty 4

Catering

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 4
Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemon - 6 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Cocktail nuts - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 48 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 4 tubs
- Mini rolls - 60 pieces
- Cheese slices - 2 packs
- Ham - 2 packs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Microfiber cloths - 2 packs
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Rubber gloves - 2 pairs

Decorations

Tournament bannersqty 4
Round table numbersqty 16
Name badgesqty 40
Pensqty 30

Sports equipment

Medalsqty 12
Cupsqty 3
Match cardsqty 40
Clipboard foldersqty 4

Tips

Prepare at least one spare keyboard, mouse and headset for every 10 gaming stations, plus backup controllers if the game uses them. Test every replacement on the chosen game before tournament day.
Bring one Ethernet cable per connected device and keep at least 10% extra cables available. Add enough network switches, power strips and extension cords so no station depends on a loose or overloaded connection.
Set aside registration materials before opening the venue: a printer, printer paper, USB sticks and a clearly marked registration desk. Print the participant list and first match schedule at least 30 minutes before check-in.
For drinks, provide about 2 to 3 servings per participant for the first hour, then roughly 1 serving per person per hour. Chill drinks in coolers and keep water jugs filled; do not rely on a single Wi-Fi router for tournament traffic.
Buy or collect prizes, medals and presentation supplies at least 7 days before the event. Check that the projector, projection screen, webcam and LED lights work together, especially if results or finals will be shown to the room.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for an e-sports tournament?: Plan one gaming PC, monitor, keyboard, mouse and headset for each active player position. Add network switches, Ethernet cables, power strips and extension cords, then keep at least 10% spare cables and one backup set of common peripherals per 10 stations.
How many drinks should I buy for an e-sports tournament?: Allow 2 to 3 drinks per person during the first hour and about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Include water as well as other drinks, and use coolers or thermos flasks so supplies stay accessible throughout the matches.
How many spare gaming peripherals should I bring?: Bring at least one spare keyboard, mouse and headset for every 10 gaming stations. If controllers are required, bring two tested backup controllers for every 10 active stations.
When should I order prizes and tournament supplies?: Order prizes, medals and any special equipment at least 7 days before the tournament. Test gaming stations, network switches, the projector and the printer no later than the day before the event.

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