SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – SoDak Circuit, a free, all-ages esports event, is returning for its second year on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. The event, sponsored by SDN Communications and its 17 member companies, aims to unite gamers of all ages and skill levels for a day of competition and community.
Competitions will feature popular video games, with cash prizes awarded for games such as Fortnite, Rocket League, Valorant, Madden NFL 2025, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. A custom racing simulator will also be available for competition. This year’s event will introduce new attractions, including a role-playing game (RPG) room with games like Dungeons & Dragons and a cosplay competition.
Tournament brackets will be separated by age to ensure fair play for all participants. The event is free and open to spectators, with matches broadcast on large screens throughout the venue. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., and the event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m..
The SoDak Circuit also highlights the growth of esports in South Dakota, particularly within high schools. The South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) has sanctioned esports, and last year, 44 schools and 489 students participated in the inaugural season. Forecasts suggest the number of schools and players in sanctioned esports will double in the 2025-26 academic year. The SoDak Circuit provides an opportunity for students and families to connect outside the classroom and celebrate the expanding esports community.
SDN Communications, a coalition of independent South Dakota broadband companies, hosts the event to showcase its extensive fiber-optic network, which spans over 50,000 miles and covers more than 90% of the state. The event also helps to introduce young adults to potential careers in the tech and telecommunications industries.
