Esports Energy Running High in the Quad Cities

The region’s most electrifying grassroots esports event, Honeypot 7, kicked off yesterday at TBK Bank Sports Complex and will run through the weekend, uniting the Midwest fighting game community for a weekend of top-tier competition, cultural celebration, and local pride.

 

As the flagship event of the independently run Honeypot series, Honeypot 7 has grown from a local tournament into a regional destination for collegiate and community fighting game fans alike. Last year, more than 500 players and spectators attended, making Honeypot the largest fighting game tournament in Iowa. This year, organizers are raising the bar even higher with nearly 300 participants from 15 different colleges across the Midwest confirmed to compete.
 

Adding to the excitement, Honeypot 7 will welcome a pair of special guests: Danan and Elizabeth, a married couple with deep ties to both gaming and Iowa. Danan, a University of Iowa alum, is the manager of one of the most-followed esports athletes in the world—known to millions of fans as Shroud. Their presence underscores Honeypot’s growing reputation as a can’t-miss destination on the Midwest esports calendar.

Honeypot 7 will spotlight titles including:
 

• Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Guilty Gear Strive
• Collegiate-friendly brackets and school vs. school matchups
• A community artist alley and vendor space
• Live commentary, exhibition matches, and the return of the fan-favorite Honeypot Bear mascot
• A spotlight on diversity and representation in gaming spaces
   

Hosted in the Quad Cities—a region known for its unique blend of creativity, community support, and accessibility—Honeypot 7 continues to grow in collaboration with Visit Quad Cities, positioning the event as a meaningful esports destination for students, fans, and players across the Midwest.

Venue details, dates, registration, and hotel accommodations are available at: 🔗 start.gg/honeypot7


For live updates and community announcements, follow @honeypotqc on X (formerly Twitter).