What you need for a speedrun competition

A speedrun competition needs more than gaming PCs and the games themselves. You need one complete station per active runner, a reliable wired network, visible timing, and enough backup equipment to keep the schedule moving when something fails. Plan refreshments around the length of the event and the number of participants, then add serving supplies and waste bins before shopping. Use this list alongside the separate setup and preparation tasks so nothing is bought at the last minute.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 55
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 5

Equipment

Gaming PCsqty 12
Monitorsqty 12
Keyboardsqty 12
Miceqty 12
Game controllersqty 12
Headsetsqty 12
Backup laptopsqty 2
Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Network Switchesqty 2
Wi-Fi router
Ethernet cablesqty 20
Power stripsqty 15
Extension cordsqty 10
Stopwatch setsqty 6
Webcamsqty 2
Recording devicesqty 2
USB sticksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 30
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Serving traysqty 6

Decorations

Competition postersqty 8
Name badgesqty 70
Prizes and medalsqty 6

Lighting

LED lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Energy drink - 24 cans
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa - 3 jars
- Party nuts - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Mini currant buns - 40 pieces
- Mini croissants - 40 pieces
- Wraps - 24 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Cheese slices - 2 packs
- Turkey breast - 2 packs
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 trays
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Muesli bars - 50 pieces
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Vegan cookies - 3 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan one complete gaming station per simultaneous runner: PC, monitor, keyboard, mouse or controller, headset, and the required cables. Keep at least one backup laptop available for registration, troubleshooting, or a failed station.
Use wired Ethernet for competition stations wherever possible. Count one Ethernet cable per station, plus at least two spare cables, and include a network switch, Wi-Fi router, power strips, and extension cords.
Prepare timing and evidence equipment before participants arrive. Have one stopwatch set per active timing desk, and test webcams, recording devices, and USB sticks at least one day before the competition.
Buy refreshments based on the event length: allow roughly two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Add reusable cups, coffee cups, plates, cutlery, coolers, a coffee machine, and a kettle if drinks or snacks are served.
Keep the public-facing equipment ready for spectators and runners. A projector, projection screen, and speakers make the schedule and live runs visible, while waste bins prevent cups and packaging from collecting around the gaming stations.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a speedrun competition?: For each active runner, plan a gaming PC, monitor, keyboard, mouse or controller, headset, and power connection. Add a network switch, Ethernet cables, timing equipment, and at least one backup laptop for failures or administration.
How many gaming PCs do I need for a speedrun competition?: You need one working gaming PC for every participant competing at the same time. Add one spare station or backup laptop when possible, especially if the schedule has no room for a repair delay.
How many drinks should I buy for a speedrun event?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person. For every additional hour, add about one drink per person, then include extra cups and cooler space so drinks remain available throughout the event.
When should I test the speedrun competition equipment?: Test game versions, licenses, accounts, controllers, recording devices, and the internet connection at least one day before the event. Recheck every station when the venue opens, before the first timed run.

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