Winner will be sent to compete at national competition in Toronto this spring
Winkler is the place to be for Settlers of Catan players Louis Riel Day weekend.
Sixteen13 Ministry is hosting its first annual Manitoba Catan Tournament EtherLan Winkler fundraiser Feb. 18-19 at The Bunker (545 Industrial Dr.).
While EtherLan video and board gaming events have been happening for nearly 20 years now, including Settlers of Catan competitions, there’s something special about this one, shares organizer Harold Espinosa.
“This one is exciting because it’s a fundraiser and, at the same time, we are qualifiers for the Catan National Championships. I’ve been dreaming of doing something like this for a long time,” he says, explaining they’re one of only a limited number of qualifiers across the country. “We’ve got people from Saskatchewan coming, and from all over.
“It’s all about getting together as people, having fun, and helping others through ministry by playing a board game.”
The winner will not only qualify to compete on the national stage in Toronto this spring, but also have their flights and hotel covered for the trip.
A win at nationals, then, would send the player to the Catan World Championship in 2025 (location not yet announced).
If enough people sign-up to compete, Winkler’s event could earn another fun distinction for the community.
“If we can do more than 150 people, we beat the Americans in their largest tournament,” Espinosa says. “It’ll put us on the map.”
At press time, the Winkler qualifier was the only one listed on the official Settlers of Catan Canada website for Manitoba, though Espinosa hears there may be one or two other tournaments being planned in smaller communities.
“I think we’re the only city in Manitoba that’s doing it … so we’re going to be posting in Winnipeg everywhere to try to get the 150 people.”
The day will start that Sunday afternoon with registration at 2 p.m. followed by the first of three rounds of games at 2:30 p.m. Participants are guaranteed three games and will also be served supper.
On Monday, the top gamers will enter the semi-finals at 10:30 a.m. followed by a provided lunch and then the final match at 1:30 p.m.
If you want to take part, you’re encouraged to register in advance at etherlan.ca/catan. There will be limited registration at the door. Tickets are $49.26 each. You must be 18+ to compete.
Funds raised that day will go to support Sixteen13’s outreach programming, which includes sharing the Christian gospel, helping newcomers to Canada settle in, and aiding others in need in the Winkler-Morden area. They currently work with 150 local families and have 70 volunteers, Espinosa shares.
If you’d like to support the competition as a sponsor, contact Espinosa at 204-332-0586.
Espinosa says they intend to make this a regular event.
“This is the first of many that’s going to happen. This year we aim for 150 people. Next year we’re going to double it.”
