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27 Hours of Fun: NETWAR
On Friday, the 18th at 6 p.m., through Saturday, the 19th at 9 p.m., in October, more than a day (27 hours) of pure online gaming commenced. NETWAR is a biannual, non-profit event that hosts Local Area Network (LAN) parties and esports events in Omaha. It started in 2001 and was originally known as Ground Zero Armageddon.
“I love video games, especially multiplayer games. I held LAN parties at my house in high school in the 90’s. I had friends bring over their large computers. When I moved to Omaha for college, I wanted to do something bigger,” NETWAR founder and chairman Travis Krekikemeier said. Hundreds gathered in the $18 million Lied Fitness Center and Fieldhouse at the College of Saint Mary; the fieldhouse is an expansive 90,000 square feet.
NETWAR works closely with Gamers Outreach to donate gaming setups known as GO Karts to hospitalized families. GO Karts are used to help the feelings of isolation and loneliness children may feel in the hospital and give them opportunities for freedom within the medical center. NETWAR works with dozens of other charities including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Omaha Open Door Misson, Toys for Tots, Disabled American Veterans and the Nebraska Humane Society. As of 2024, NETWAR has successfully raised $140,308 to help fund all of these programs.
While NETWAR receives amazing donations and sponsorships from well-known companies like Cox and Seasonic, most of its money comes from dedicated supporters throughout the years. During NETWAR 44.0, more than 500 people arrived to show their support for their community, some coming from as far as Texas.
The remarkable contributions that NETWAR brings to the community aren’t the only thing the event is known for. NETWAR also hosts a variety of tournaments throughout the 27 hours. The tournaments have included League of Legends, Overwatch 2, Valorant, Fortnite, Counter-Strike 2, Rocket League and more. A group of students from a combination of GHS and GEHS won the Valorant tournament. The team consisted of Zachary Olds, Ryan Hagedorn, Eli Fuller, Quinten Sumners and Connor Buffington under the old-school name “Gretna.”
“We were all very excited to win the tournament, considering we beat K-State and UNO and went undefeated,” Buffington said.
NETWARs 44.0 event may be over, but the excitement and joy that came from the event is not. With 45.0 happening sometime next spring, many people across Omaha are excited to drink their Bawls and play some enticing retro games at The Gamers Oasis. Krekikemeier, like many others, said he looks forward to the future of NETWAR and seeing it continue to grow and foster more money for charity.
