How to Enter Online Gaming Tournaments for Free (Step-by-Step)

1. Pick your title + platform. Commit to one game for 2–4 weeks (Smash, Street Fighter, Rocket League, Fortnite, EA FC, CoD, Valorant where supported).
2. Create your account. Start with Start.gg Discover or Challengermode.
3. Filter for beginner-friendly events. Look for “weekly,” “rookie/open,” and your region/server. Many are free.
4. Read check-in + rules. Time zones, Discord join, anti-cheat (PC), proof (clips/screenshots).
5. Join the event Discord. That’s where lobby codes, score reports, and admin help live.
6. Record proof. Clip or screenshot each round; it ends most disputes instantly.
7. Keep a cadence. Two weeklies + one cup per week is enough volume to improve and place.

What You Need to Join (Takes 5 Minutes)

• Game account + platform ID: Nintendo/PlayStation/Xbox/Steam/Epic as required.
• Discord login: Most events coordinate lobbies and support there.
• Stable internet: Wired is best; on Switch, many events require a LAN adapter.
• Basic proof setup: Enable system clips or be ready to screenshot final scores.
• Check-in alarm: Set a reminder 10–15 minutes before check-in to avoid DQs.

Quick Comparison

Curious how high the stakes can go? See our Top Esports Prize Pools 2025 breakdown.

Start.gg — Community Weeklies & FGC Hub

start.gg • Discover events

• Games you’ll see: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Guilty Gear Strive, Rivals 2, plus locals for Mario Kart side events.
• Costs: Many free or <$10 (set by the organizer).
• Payouts: Organizer pays; prize info on each event page.
• Tips: Filter by region, read check-in times carefully, and join the listed Discord.

Battlefy — Publisher/Brand Events + Amateurs

battlefy.com

• Games: Fortnite cups, Rocket League 2v2/3v3, Apex, EA FC promo leagues, occasional Nintendo/brand qualifiers.
• Costs: Commonly free.
• Payouts: Posted by host (cash, merch, gift cards).
• Tips: Use search by game + region; pick events with recent activity.

Challengermode — Automated Brackets Across Many Games

challengermode.com • Browse by game

• Games: League of Legends, Valorant (where supported), CS, Rocket League, PUBG, Dota 2, and more.
• Costs: Mix of free and paid; clearly labeled.
• Payouts: On-platform prize handling or host pays.
• Tips: Start in a “hub” with lower rank requirements; use dispute tools if needed.

FACEIT — Daily Cups, Ladders, and Leagues

faceit.com • See games

• Games: Counter-Strike, Overwatch, PUBG; Valorant where supported by organizers.
• Costs: Many events free; optional Premium unlocks extras.
• Payouts: Cash or FACEIT Points (redeemable for entries/gear).
• Tips: Read anti-cheat rules; join daily cups at your rank for fair matches.

Players’ Lounge — Cash Head-to-Head Matches + Tourneys

playerslounge.com

• Games: EA FC, Madden, NBA 2K, CoD, MLB The Show; periodic free-entry promos.
• Costs: Deposit for wagers; you choose stakes.
• Payouts: Winnings go to your account; withdrawal fees/eligibility apply.
• Tips: Start low-stake; verify connection and proof rules.

Checkmate Gaming (CMG) — Ladders & Free-Entry Cash

checkmategaming.com

• Games: Call of Duty, Warzone, Fortnite, and console sports titles.
• Costs: Free and paid events.
• Payouts: Posted per event; KYC and processing times apply.
• Tips: Filter for “Free Entry”; join Discord for fast admin support.

Repeat.gg — Scoreboard-Style Tournaments (Async)

repeat.gg

• Games: Fortnite, Fall Guys, racing and sports titles—stat-tracked over days/weeks.
• Costs: Often free.
• Payouts: Cash/gift cards/credits listed per event.
• Tips: Great warm-up before live bracket stress; play on your own schedule.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing check-in: Most weeklies auto-DQ no-shows—set an alarm.
• No proof: A 5-second clip or screenshot ends 90% of disputes.
• Wrong region: Registering outside your server/region causes lag and DQs.
• Ignoring rulesets: Stock/time limits, stages/maps, device bans—read once to save headaches.
• Over-queuing: Don’t join overlapping brackets—admins won’t pause forever.

Avoid These Red Flags

• “Guaranteed wins,” vague prizing, or no public rules page.
• Deposits required before you can even browse events.
• Dead calendars or social feeds; no recent brackets.
• Cash-app “Solitaire/Bingo for money” sites—different category, high rake/fees.

Need New Gear?

Before your next bracket, make sure your setup is ready. If you’re shopping for controllers, headsets, or PC accessories, browse our recommendations and guides.