In recent years, due to the coronavirus crisis, conventions and tournaments could only be held online. In recent months, however, physical gaming events have been resuming all over the world, for example in the USA, Canada and in Australia.
Here you can find a report on the best tournaments of the past months and some events planned for later this year. Do you want to take part in one of the upcoming tournaments abroad?
Make sure to check whether you need a visa or another type of travel permit.
Nintendo online tournaments
1) Mario Kart North American Open tournament
In April this year, the North American Open Mario Kart tournament was organised. During three days, participants from America, Canada and Mexico competed for a place among the top 8 drivers. The prize was 2,500 Nintendo Gold Points, which could be spent in the Nintendo eShop.
2) Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament
Super Smash Bros. fans from America, Canada and Mexico were also able to take part in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament in April of this year. The winners went home with a trophy, a gaming chair and Nintendo Gold Points. The exciting final could be followed via a live stream on 23 April.
3) Splatoon 2 Turf War Tournament
Another Splatoon tournament is planned for the end of this month. Arm your Inklings with the best brushes and water pistols to conquer the terrain of your opponents. Put 21 May in your diary and who knows, you might win the trophy, a Splatoon jacket or backpack.
Other interesting game events
In addition to the online Nintendo tournaments, various other events and conventions of interest to gaming enthusiasts will take place soon. Now that the coronavirus is under control again in most countries, events are again being organised in various countries worldwide, from Cologne to Los Angeles, and from Tokyo to Vancouver. This year, Australia is the place to be for gamers with numerous tournaments and conventions spread across the country.
Starting with the Supanova Comic Con & Gaming in Sydney and in Perth at the end of June, an event focusing on science fiction, anime and fantasy. Another big festival held in Melbourne every year is Freeplay, which brings together game makers from all over the world. Although the past two editions have had to take place online, there is hope that this year the festival can be held live again.
In September, Melbourne will host DreamHack – one of the largest eSport tournaments in the world – and there will be plenty to do for gamers in Melbourne in October too. Melbourne International Games Week will take place from 1 to 9 October and PAX Australia will be held from 7 to 9 October, offering workshops and developer introductions to the latest games.
Apply for a visa or travel authorisation
Looking to attend one of the massive upcoming events in Australia? Then you need an Australia visa. Fortunately, this visa can be applied for online in a matter of minutes. In most cases, the visa is sent by e-mail within an hour, so all you have to do is print it out and you can start focusing on more fun things, like the tournaments and workshops you want to visit. The Australia visa is valid for one year, for multiple trips. Each stay in the country may last up to 3 months.
This gives you more than enough time to attend different events in the country. Would you like to attend the Supanova Comic Con in the summer or would you rather experience the international Games Week in Melbourne? An eVisitor visa allows you to travel to Australia several times, so everything is possible!
