(AUBURN) - Hundreds of competitive gamers are expected to gather at Kruse Plaza this weekend for a multi-day fighting game tournament billed as the largest of its kind in Indiana.
The event, known as Afterburner, begins Friday and runs for three days at the Auburn event venue. Organizers expect more than 400 competitors from across the region and beyond, with thousands of dollars in prize money on the line.
The tournament will feature competition in several popular fighting games, including Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Street Fighter 6, 2XKO and Rivals of Aether 2. Most competitors will be participating in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate events.
Afterburner is organized by The Odyssey Esports, a Fort Wayne-based organization that operates a gaming lounge and hosts weekly competitions with the goal of building an esports hub in northeast Indiana.
Tournament organizer and Odyssey Esports co-owner Landon Frank said the event has grown steadily since its launch and has now reached national prominence. Based on the number and ranking of participants, Afterburner has earned an "A" ranking for 2026, placing it among a small group of top-tier fighting game tournaments in the United States.
Several highly ranked players are expected to compete, including Miya, currently ranked fourth in the world in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, along with multiple other players ranked in the global top 25.
The Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournaments alone will feature a prize pool exceeding $3,000, according to organizers.
In addition to open competition, the event will include collegiate tournaments with teams from schools such as Purdue University Fort Wayne and Manchester University. Organizers say collegiate esports continues to grow as more schools offer teams, scholarships and structured competition.
Spectators may attend the event in person for $20. Matches will also be streamed online via Twitch.