Free all-ages esports event returns this fall — with new additions

This event listing is sponsored by SDN Communications.

Put your skills at popular video games to the test as a free all-ages esports event returns this fall to Sioux Falls.

SoDak Circuit will return for its second year Oct. 11, produced and supported by SDN Communications and its 17 member companies.

The event is designed to bring together gamers of all ages and experience levels for a day of tournament-style competition, community and fun.

Cash prizes will be awarded in popular titles such as Fortnite, Rocket League, Valorant, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Madden NFL 2025 and a custom racing simulator.

This year, there also will be an RPG room with games such as Dungeons & Dragons, as well as a cosplay competition.

Creating a player profile is recommended to prepare for game day and is available now at SoDakCircuit.com.

Players and parents also can sign up for email updates and follow SoDak Circuit on social media to stay informed as details evolve.

The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with doors at the Sioux Falls Convention Center opening at 7:30 a.m. and check-in beginning at 8:30 a.m. Spectators are welcome, and matches will be broadcast on large screens throughout the venue. Tournament brackets will be split by age group to ensure fair and exciting gameplay for everyone from casual participants to competitive players.

The event showcases some games that also will be played competitively within South Dakota high schools this year through South Dakota High School Activities Association sanctioned events. Last year, 44 schools across the state participated in South Dakota’s first esports season, including 489 students with seven of SDN’s 17 member companies sponsoring teams in their service areas, supporting a total of 25 programs.

The upcoming 2025–26 academic year will be another significant milestone for esports in South Dakota. Forecasts estimate double the number of schools and players in sanctioned esports as more schools are launching programs and participating in statewide competitions.

“The SoDak Circuit event offers students, families and fans a chance to connect beyond the classroom and celebrate the growing esports community,” SDN marketing manager Hannah Boquet said.

“For SDN Communications and its member companies, hosting SoDak Circuit is a meaningful way to highlight the strength and reach of their collective 50,000-plus miles of fiber-optic infrastructure, which covers more than 90 percent of the state. The event also helps introduce students and young adults to the world of tech and telecommunications careers.”

For full details and to sign up, visit SoDakCircuit.com.