SoDak Circuit, a new esports tournament in South Dakota, is this Saturday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 a.m. at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.
The tournament is hosted by SDN Communications and 17 other local independent broadband providers.
The tournament is free to attend and play but requires pre-registration on the SoDak Circuit website. Registration will stay open until the morning of the tournament.
The tournament will have junior brackets for kids under 13, and some that are all-ages.
SoDak Circuit will feature a variety of competitive and free-play games for all ages, such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Fortnite.
The doors open at 7:30 a.m. with check-in at 8:30 a.m. and those who check in first will get their spot to play locked in. The games will commence at 9:30 a.m.
Hannah Boquet, the Marketing Manager at SDN Communications, is one of the event’s organizers.
Boquet and her team first traveled to other esports events in the region and started researching early last year.
“Initially going up to Bemidji was a huge highlight, I went up there with my kids to do research,” said Boquet. “As a mother of three boys, it’s been cool to connect with them through something they’re so passionate about— now we play Fortnite together.”
Boquet is excited to see the tournament come together.
“Seeing people and providing an opportunity for gamers to come together in person, and to have a cool event like this is what I’m looking forward to the most,” Boquet said. “I know there’s not another free communal all-ages event like this in South Dakota.”
Another person excited about the tournament is Andy Roland, the esports coach at Dakota State University. He hopes to grow his student’s networks.
“Our students are always looking for exciting tournaments and things to do in the esports world,” said Roland. “They also appreciate and remember businesses and communities that support and understand esports when not many do.”
DSU’s esports teams have traveled to Kansas, Chicago, Michigan, and more to compete in tournaments around the country in their five-year tenure.
Roland plans on sending some of his groups to the SoDak Circuit as well.
“We are sending a group of Smash Ultimate fighters, one of our Valorant teams, and one of our Rocket League teams,” said Roland. “I believe we have students signing up for the more casual games as well.”
Roland believes this tournament will aid in positioning South Dakota as a significant player in the broader esports economy.
“Events like the SoDak Circuit are pivotal for the South Dakota esports scene,” said Roland. “They provide a platform for local talent to gain recognition… while stimulating economic growth by attracting sponsors, media coverage, and fan engagement as well.”