What you need for an esports tournament

An esports tournament needs more than gaming PCs and a game to play. You need matching peripherals, a reliable wired network, enough power connections, display and audio equipment, and a clear registration setup. Count every playing station before you shop, then add spares for the items most likely to fail or go missing. The list also covers streaming, presentations, cable safety, catering and prizes so you are not solving basic supply problems between matches.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 18
Chairsqty 80
Registration desk
Bar stoolsqty 4
Cable matsqty 20

Equipment

Gaming PCsqty 32
Gaming monitorsqty 32
Gaming keyboardsqty 32
Gaming miceqty 32
Gaming headsetsqty 32
Webcamsqty 2
Presentation laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Microphoneqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Streaming computer
Capture cardsqty 2
Power stripsqty 20
Extension cordsqty 24
Network cablesqty 40
Network Switchesqty 4
Roadblocksqty 2
Ethernet adaptersqty 4
HDMI cablesqty 8
DisplayPort cablesqty 36
USB extension cablesqty 16
Backup controllersqty 4
USB sticksqty 4
Power banksqty 4

Lighting

LED light barsqty 6
Standing lampsqty 4

Decorations

Tournament bannersqty 4
Team table numbersqty 16
Wayfinding signsqty 8
Prize table

Sports equipment

Game clocksqty 4
Scoreboardsqty 4
Whistlesqty 4
Spare batteriesqty 24

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 50
Water jugsqty 8
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Small bowlsqty 20
Waste binsqty 8

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Vacuum cleaner
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Hand sanitizerqty 4
Toilet paperqty 24

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 crates
- Sparkling water - 4 crates
- Energy drink - 6 trays
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Coffee biscuits - 4 packs
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Pretzels - 6 bags
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Chocolate bars - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 6 packs
- Mandarins - 60 pieces
- Mini wraps - 100 pieces
- Tortilla wraps - 8 packs
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Vegetarian snacks - 80 pieces
- Mini sandwiches - 120 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 40 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Chocolate cookies - 6 packs
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Foil - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Storage containers - 20 pieces

Tips

Count complete gaming stations before ordering: one PC, monitor, keyboard, mouse, headset and network connection per player, plus at least two backup controllers and spare cables.
Plan the network and power separately. Use one network cable per station, add spare Ethernet adapters and cables, and check that power strips and extension cords reach every table without daisy-chaining them.
Do not leave presentation and streaming equipment until the final week. Test the presentation laptop, projector, microphone, speakers, streaming computer and capture cards together at least 48 hours before the tournament.
Buy or reserve cable mats before equipment arrives. They reduce trip hazards where extension cords and network cables cross walkways; keep roadblocks available for areas that should stay clear.
Prepare the registration desk and participant supplies for check-in, then keep USB sticks and power banks as backups. Download game updates and confirm account details before event day rather than relying on the venue connection.

Frequently asked questions

How many gaming PCs do I need for an esports tournament?: Plan one complete gaming station per player in the largest match running at the same time. Add at least one spare station or replacement set if your schedule allows, especially for a full-day tournament.
How many network cables should I buy for an esports tournament?: Buy one network cable per active gaming station, plus connections for streaming or administration where needed. Add at least 10% extra cables and adapters so one damaged or missing cable does not stop a match.
When should I test the esports tournament equipment?: Run a full technical test at least 48 hours before the event. Check game updates, accounts, monitors, peripherals, switches, cables, audio, projection and streaming in the same room layout you will use on the day.
What backup equipment do I need for an esports tournament?: Keep backup controllers, USB sticks, power banks, spare network and display cables, and extra adapters on site. Test the replacement equipment before doors open and place it where the tournament staff can reach it within a few minutes.

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