Middle Earth SBG Grand Tournament
"What About Second Edition?"
Saturday, March 1 - Sunday March 2
We, the hosting parties, request the pleasure of your company at our store in Durham, NC, from March 1-2, 2025.
- Two-day, 500 points tournament of Middle-Earth Strategy Battle Game.
- The latest edition of the core rules will be used. Additionally, any FAQs released two weeks prior to the event will automatically be in effect. The organizers retain the prerogative to include or exclude any updates released after the two-week threshold.
- Three games on Saturday and two games on Sunday.
- Game length is 120 minutes.
- A single 500 points list.
- 30 players maximum.
Scheduling and Logistics:
Tentative Schedule:
SATURDAY: March 1, 2025
- 10:00 - 10:30 AM : Doors Open, Set-up & Check-in
- 10:30 - 10:40 : Welcome and Opening Remarks
- 10:45 -12:45 : Game 1
- 12:45 - 1:45 : Lunch Break*
- 2:00 - 4:00 : Game 2
- 4:00 - 4:15 : Break for tabulation
- 4:15 - 6:15 : Game 3
- 6:30 - 9:00 PM : Optional: Dinner/Drinks - Tentative Location: El Rodeo
SUNDAY: March 2, 2025
- 11:00 - 11:30 AM : Doors Open, Set-up & Check-in
- 11:30 - 1:30 : Game 4
- 1:30 - 2:15 : Lunch Break*
- 2:30 - 4:30 : Game 5
- 4:30 - 4:45 : Break for tabulation
- 4:45 PM : Awards Ceremony
*(There are many nearby dining options - food is not guaranteed by the event, though limited concessions are available for purchase at the store.)
Scenario Details:
48inx48in tables will be pre-set up with terrain. Therefore, no modifications to terrain will be allowed after the first game begins or without the tournament organizers’ permission.
Scenarios will be selected by the TO and announced before the start of each game. The veto system will not be used.
Scoring during the tournament will be per the following guidelines. Tournament points : Major Win = 4 points, Minor Win = 3 points, Draw = 2 points, Minor Loss = 1 points, Major Loss = 0 points. Victory points must also be tracked during each game as this will be used for tie breakers.
Summary of VP to TP Match Scoring:
Major Win/Loss - Win/Loss by 4+ Margin of VP** - 4/0 Tournament Points
Minor Win/Loss - Other Win/Loss on Victory Points - 3/1 Tournament Points
Draw - Tied Victory Points - 2/2 Tournament Points
** Margin of 4+ or Opponent Scores 0 and you score at least 3
List Restrictions:
Players are required to bring a single 500 points list.
Banned models: none.
All lists must conform to the guidelines delineated in the most recent edition of the MESBG rules.
Please reach out to the TO if you are concerned over the validity of any proxies you plan to use.
Atomic Empire
3400 Westgate Dr. #14B
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 490-7900
Click here for map
There are several hotels and motels near Atomic Empire. Here are a few of the closest to get you started.
La Quinta Inn and Suites – Durham / Chapel Hill
4414 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd
Durham, NC, 27707
(866) 527-1498
0.49 Miles to the Store
Extended Stay America Durham-University
1920 Ivy Creek Blvd
Durham, NC, 27707
(866) 539-0036
0.51 Miles to the Store
SpringHill Suites by Marriott - Durham Chapel Hill
5310 Mcfarland Rd
Durham, NC, 27707
(855) 239-9485
1.9 Miles to the Store
Trophies, product and/or store credit will be given for the following categories: Best Narrative, TO Model Choice Award, Best Sportsman, 1st, 2nd Overall, and The Spoon.
This tournament will differ from previous ones in that we, the tournament organizers (TOs), are going to emphasize the hobby and narrative aspects of MESBG. To that end, we ask that participants write a brief story based on the army they bring. The story can be prose, poetry, or even lyrics, but can not exceed 500 words. Profanity is prohibited and the content must avoid any adult themes. We are not seeking a retelling of Tolkien lore, but an imaginative tale centered around the units/models you chose to bring. To be eligible for the Best Narrative prize, the story must be the player's original work and submitted along with the army list. The TOs will read the entries and select the one they find most entertaining.
Similarly, the TOs will judge the model you chose as your General. Their own aesthetic sensibilities will be used when critiquing the model. For example, a TO might like how the model is painted, or if it was converted, or if there is an element of the basing that is noteworthy. It is the sole discretion of the TOs as to which criteria they use. Participants may provide a display board, but it will not be included in the TO Model Choice Award selection process.
You must register by Saturday, February 22, to participate. No refunds are available after February 22. No walk-ins on the day of the tournament will be permitted to participate.
Registration fee: $30.00
Registration deadline: February 22, 2025 11:59 PM
Deadline Passed
The online registration deadline has passed, but registration may still be available at the door.