What you need for a screen tournament

A screen tournament needs more than consoles and monitors. Plan supplies for registration, scoring, food and drinks, then add backups for the equipment most likely to fail. For each competition table, allow one console, one screen, one controller and the required cables. Keep spare controllers, a reserve monitor and basic cable supplies separate from the main setup so they are easy to reach during a match.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 3
Tableclothsqty 4

Equipment

Game consolesqty 8
Gaming monitorsqty 8
Spare monitor
Game controllersqty 16
Backup controllersqty 4
Headphonesqty 16
Network Switchesqty 2
Network cablesqty 16
HDMI cablesqty 12
Power stripsqty 12
Extension cordsqty 12
Cable tiesqty 100
Laptopqty 2
USB sticksqty 2

Sports equipment

Match cardsqty 40
Table number cardsqty 12
Score sheetsqty 100
Pensqty 30
Prizesqty 3
Medalsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Small bowlsqty 8
Coffee potsqty 3

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving tongsqty 4

Decorations

Tournament banner
Round stickersqty 50

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 bottles
- Orange juice - 3 bottles
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 5 bags
- Plain chips - 5 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa sauce - 4 jars
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Mini pretzels - 4 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Mini cucumbers - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Mini rolls - 60 pcs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Ham - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian spread - 6 tubs
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 4 packs
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 2 packs

Tips

Buy or bring at least one spare controller for every 8–10 players, because a faulty or flat controller can stop a match. Keep the reserve controllers charged before the tournament starts.
Plan around 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Add extra water and keep drinks cold before doors open.
Provide one score form, one pen and one match card for each scheduled match, plus at least 10% extra. Number the tables before players arrive so results cannot be assigned to the wrong station.
Bring one network cable and one HDMI cable per setup, plus at least 10% spare cables. Pack cable ties, power strips and extension leads separately; these are often needed only after the tables are in position.
Allow one reusable cup per person, one plate per person and one cutlery set per person, with 10% extra for replacements. If you serve coffee or hot water, check that the coffee pots and kettles cover the expected serving volume before the event day.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a screen tournament?: For each competition table, plan one console, one gaming monitor, one controller, the required HDMI and network cables, and access to power. Keep at least one reserve monitor and spare controllers available for the full tournament.
How many drinks should I buy for a screen tournament?: Allow 2–3 drinks per person during the first hour, followed by 1 drink per person for every additional hour. Buy extra water for technical breaks and keep everything chilled before participants arrive.
How many controllers do I need for a tournament?: Start with the number required by the game and tournament format, then add at least one spare controller for every 8–10 players. Charge and test all controllers no later than the day before the event.
How many score sheets and pens should I prepare?: Prepare one score sheet, one pen and one match card for every scheduled match, plus at least 10% extra. Put the forms and pens at the registration table before the first players check in.

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.