Game tournament shopping list

A game tournament needs more than consoles and controllers. You’ll need matching stations, reliable network and power equipment, display and audio gear, plus supplies for registration, food and drinks. Plan for one controller, charger and usable screen connection per active station, then add spares where a failure would stop the bracket. This list also covers the easy-to-miss items, such as serving equipment, waste bins and presentation supplies.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 40
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Gaming consolesqty 8
Gaming monitorsqty 8
Game controllersqty 16
Tournament gameqty 8
Network switchqty 2
Ethernet cablesqty 16
Power stripsqty 10
Extension cordsqty 8
Laptopsqty 2
Printers
Presentation screen
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Chargersqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 8
Coffee cupsqty 30

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2

Decorations

Balloonsqty 40
Buntingqty 6
Prize table sign

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 48 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sandwich rolls - 45 pieces
- Cheese - 1.5 kilograms
- Ham - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Butter - 3 tubs
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 10 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 6 pieces
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Toilet paper - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 2 bottles

Tips

Count gaming stations from the match schedule, not the guest list. For every active station, check that you have a console or laptop, monitor, game access, controller, power connection and network cable.
Bring at least one spare controller and several spare chargers or charging options. A single failed controller can delay an entire round if there is no replacement at the venue.
Do a full network and game test before doors open, including the network switch, Ethernet cables, accounts and updated software. Allow at least 60 minutes for setup and troubleshooting.
Set aside a registration desk with the printed participant list and match cards. Keep these separate from the gaming area so check-in does not interrupt matches or block cables.
For food and drinks, match cups, plates, cutlery and serving platters to the confirmed headcount, then add about 10% extra. Chill drinks before opening and provide waste bins where people actually sit.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a game tournament?: You need one complete gaming station per simultaneous match: a console or laptop, monitor, game access, controller, power connection and network connection. Add at least 1 spare controller and keep extra chargers available.
How many Ethernet cables do I need for a gaming tournament?: Count one cable for every wired device, then add 2 to 4 spare cables. Include the network switch, gaming stations and any other connected equipment in your count.
When should I test the tournament network and game?: Run a complete test at least 1 day before the tournament if possible, then test again for 30 to 60 minutes before participants arrive. Check accounts, software updates, connections, audio and video during that final test.
How much food and tableware should I buy for a game tournament?: Buy tableware for the confirmed participant and volunteer count, plus about 10% extra. Plan drinks by time: roughly 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 per person per hour afterward.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.