If you’ve spent hours grinding Rocket League casual queues, pulled off a few sick flip resets in ranked, and thought you might be ready to test your skills against other dedicated players, you’ve probably wondered when are Rocket League tournaments you can actually sign up for. Most people assume the only Rocket League tournaments are the pro-level RLCS events streamed to thousands of viewers, but the scene is far more accessible than that. There are events for every skill level, from Bronze-ranked casual players to top 100 Grand Champions, running almost every day of the week. This guide breaks down all the different tournament types, their typical schedules, how to find them, and what you need to do to show up ready to play.
When Are Rocket League Tournaments Held for Different Skill Tiers?
The schedule for Rocket League tournaments depends almost entirely on what skill level you’re playing at, and what type of event you want to join. Pro circuit events follow a strict annual schedule set by Psyonix, while amateur and community events run on more flexible, frequent timelines. If you’re wondering when are Rocket League tournaments that don’t require a pre-made team, the in-game casual options are your best bet, as you can queue solo and get paired with random teammates.
For pro and semi-pro players, the RLCS (Rocket League Championship Series) runs three splits per year, each lasting three months. Regional open qualifiers are held once per month during splits, with regional main events running every two to three weeks, and international majors held at the end of each split. Most pro circuit events run on weekends, from Friday through Sunday, to accommodate viewership and player schedules.
Amateur community events, hosted on platforms like Faceit and Battlefy, usually run on Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays for most North American and European regions, so players don’t have to miss work or school to participate. In-game casual tournaments are open to all players regardless of rank, so you don’t need to hit Grand Champion to participate. These in-game events rotate every 48 hours, with 24-hour registration windows, so there’s almost always one active you can join for free.
Key Recurring Rocket League Tournament Series to Know
There are hundreds of small one-off Rocket League tournaments running every week, but there are a few consistent, recurring series you can rely on to join regularly, no matter your skill level. These events have standardized rules, reliable prize pools, and thousands of participants every time they run, so you don’t have to worry about scams or last-minute cancellations.
- RLCS Regional Open Qualifiers: Held monthly during split seasons, open to all teams with a minimum average rank of Platinum 3, with spots in the regional main event up for grabs for top finishers
- Faceit Weekly Rocket League Cups: Run every Saturday and Sunday for all rank brackets, with cash prizes ranging from $50 to $500 for top teams, plus in-game item codes for all top 10 finishers
- In-game Limited Time Tournaments: Rotate every 48 hours, with free rewards like decals, goal explosions, and tournament credits for all participants, even if you lose your first match
- Collegiate Rocket League (CRL) Events: Held twice per academic year for students enrolled in accredited colleges and universities, with scholarship prizes for top performing teams
Most amateur tournaments don't require an entry fee, so you can test your skills without risking any money. The only events that usually charge entry fees are large LAN tournaments or high-stakes cash cups for higher-ranked players, and those are always clearly marked before you sign up. If you’re looking for low-pressure fun, keep an eye out for charity tournament events, which run a few times per quarter and often feature celebrity guests and streamers playing alongside casual players.
How to Stay Updated on Upcoming Tournament Schedules
Many new players don't realize how easy it is to track when are Rocket League tournaments in their local area or skill bracket, as long as you know where to look. The official Rocket League events page is the best place to start for official in-game events and RLCS schedule announcements, with dates posted two to four weeks before registration opens.
Third-party platforms like Faceit, Battlefy, and Challengermode all let you set up custom notifications for Rocket League tournaments that match your rank, region, and preferred team size. You can get email or push notifications as soon as registration opens for events you qualify for, so you don’t miss out on a spot. Turn on push notifications for tournament platforms you use, as popular amateur cups fill up in less than an hour after registration opens. I missed out on three 2v2 cash cups last year because I forgot to check my email, and the spots were gone by the time I saw the announcement.
Local community Discord servers and regional Rocket League subreddits are also great resources for smaller, local LAN events or community-run online tournaments that don’t get listed on big platforms. These smaller events often have smaller prize pools, but they’re a great way to meet other players in your area and practice against people you might face in future larger events.
What to Prepare Before Joining Your First Rocket League Tournament
Signing up for your first Rocket League tournament can feel intimidating, but you don’t need to be a pro player to have a good time. There are just a few simple things you can do to make sure your first event goes smoothly, no matter how you place.
First, make sure your setup is stable. If you’re playing online, use a wired internet connection if possible, and close any background apps that use bandwidth, like streaming services or game launchers updating other games. Always check the tournament rules 24 hours before the event starts, as some have restrictions on custom decals or muting opposing players. Getting disqualified for breaking a rule you didn’t read is one of the most frustrating ways to end a tournament.
If you’re playing with a team, schedule at least three or four scrimmages in the week leading up to the event to practice your communication and rotations. You don’t need to run complicated plays, but making sure you’re all on the same page about who takes kickoffs and who stays back on defense will save you a lot of avoidable losses. You don't need top-tier gear to compete, but a wired controller or keyboard will give you more consistent input than a wireless connection. I’ve played in dozens of amateur tournaments with a $30 wired controller, and I’ve placed higher than players using $200 custom controllers just because I was familiar with my setup.
Don’t get discouraged if you lose your first match. Most amateur tournaments have a loser’s bracket, so you’ll still get to play at least two or three matches even if you drop your first game. The point of your first few tournaments is to learn and have fun, not to take home a grand prize.
Whether you’re a Silver-ranked player looking for fun exclusive in-game rewards or a Grand Champion trying to qualify for your first RLCS regional event, knowing when are Rocket League tournaments that fit your skill level and schedule is the first step to getting involved in the community. You don’t have to commit to a full pro schedule to enjoy competitive Rocket League; even the free in-game casual tournaments are a great break from grinding ranked, and you’ll get to play against people at your exact skill level. Next time you’re bored of casual queues, check for an upcoming tournament – you might have more fun than you expect, and you could even walk away with some cool new items for your car.
