Roller derby is a high-speed, full-contact team sport that has experienced a resurgence in popularity worldwide.
Various prestigious tournaments and events showcase the talent and skill of roller derby athletes.
Here is an overview of the most important roller derby tournaments and events.
Most Important Roller Derby Tournaments:
- WFTDA International Championships
- ECDX (East Coast Derby Extravaganza)
- The Big O
- Men’s Roller Derby World Cup
- RollerCon
- Midwest BrewHaHa
- WFTDA Playoffs
- The Great Southern Slam
- Gotham Girls Roller Derby Home Season
- West Track Story
Table of Contents
#1 WFTDA International Championships
- 📍 Location: Varies globally
- 📅 Established: 2006
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: Top WFTDA-ranked teams
The WFTDA International Championships, organized by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, is the premier event for showcasing the world’s top women’s roller derby teams.
It has marked the culmination of the WFTDA playoff season since 2006, and the winner is crowned the WFTDA world champion. Gotham Girls Roller Derby holds a record five titles, while dominant countries include the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
#2 ECDX (East Coast Derby Extravaganza)
- 📍 Location: Feasterville, Pennsylvania, USA
- 📅 Established: 2007
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: National and international teams
The East Coast Derby Extravaganza (ECDX) is an annual roller derby event organized by Philly Roller Derby. ECDX has grown into one of the largest roller derby gatherings in the world since its inception in 2007.
Hosting teams from across North America and beyond, ECDX showcases some of the sport’s best talent. Known for fostering community connections, skill development, and fierce competition, ECDX has become a must-attend event for roller derby enthusiasts.
#3 The Big O
- 📍 Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
- 📅 Established: 2011
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: National and international teams
The Big O, hosted by the Emerald City Roller Derby in Eugene, Oregon, has become a premier event in roller derby since its establishment in 2011. This tournament features top teams from around the world and includes competitions for women’s, men’s, and junior roller derby divisions.
With multiple tracks and a reputation for attracting top-tier skaters, The Big O has solidified its place as a sought-after event in the roller derby community.
#4 Men’s Roller Derby World Cup
- 📍 Location: Varies globally
- 📅 Established: 2014
- 🔄 Held: Every 4 years
- 👥 Teams: National teams
The Men’s Roller Derby World Cup is an international tournament that showcases the best in men’s roller derby.
Established in 2014 and held every four years, this event is governed by the Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA) and brings together national teams from around the world to compete for the title. England has been a dominant force, winning both the 2014 and 2018 editions, highlighting the growing popularity and skill level in men’s roller derby.
#5 RollerCon
- 📍 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
- 📅 Established: 2005
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Participants: Roller derby skaters, officials, and fans
RollerCon is much more than a tournament; it is the roller derby community’s annual convention. Established in 2005, this Las Vegas event features a week-long extravaganza of roller derby games, workshops, clinics, and social events.
RollerCon attracts thousands of skaters, officials, and fans from around the world, fostering networking and skill development while celebrating the culture and camaraderie of this unique sport.
#6 Midwest BrewHaHa
- 📍 Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- 📅 Established: 2010
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: North American teams
The Midwest BrewHaHa is an annual roller derby tournament, hosted by the Brewcity Bruisers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Founded in 2010, this event features women’s, men’s, and junior teams predominantly from North America.
The Midwest BrewHaHa has a reputation for its competitive gameplay and lively atmosphere, attracting roller derby fans and participants from across the region.
#7 WFTDA Playoffs
- 📍 Location: Varies globally
- 📅 Established: 2006
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: Top WFTDA-ranked teams
The WFTDA Playoffs are the series of divisional tournaments leading up to the WFTDA International Championships. Established in 2006, these playoff events pit the top-ranked WFTDA teams against each other in regional battles.
With thrilling bouts and high-stakes potential, the WFTDA Playoffs showcase the best of roller derby from around the world and set the stage for the ultimate showdown at the WFTDA Championships.
#8 The Great Southern Slam
- 📍 Location: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- 📅 Established: 2010
- 🔄 Held: Every 2 years
- 👥 Teams: Teams from the Asia-Pacific region
The Great Southern Slam (TGSS) is one of the world’s largest roller derby tournaments, held biennially in Adelaide, South Australia. Established in 2010, this event showcases teams from around the Asia-Pacific region.
Governed by the TGSS Steering Committee, it highlights the rapid growth and impact of roller derby in the region. Known for its fiercely competitive gameplay, TGSS has established a reputation for fostering community and forging international connections.
#9 Gotham Girls Roller Derby Home Season
- 📍 Location: New York City, New York, USA
- 📅 Established: 2003
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: Five home teams
The Gotham Girls Roller Derby Home Season is an annual tournament featuring five home teams from New York City’s premier roller derby league, Gotham Girls Roller Derby. Established in 2003, the competition has become a focal point for New York City’s roller derby community.
It offers athletes a chance to showcase their skills and cultivate local team rivalries. The league’s unique atmosphere and commitment to community engagement have made it a must-attend event for local roller derby fans.
#10 West Track Story
- 📍 Location: Nantes, France
- 📅 Established: 2015
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: European teams
The West Track Story is an annual roller derby tournament held in Nantes, France. Since its establishment in 2015, it has been organized by the Nantes Derby Girls. Featuring women’s and men’s teams from across Europe, the West Track Story showcases some of the continent’s best roller derby talent.
With a reputation for its intense competition and camaraderie, this event has become a must-attend for European derby enthusiasts.
FAQ
What is the most important roller derby tournament?
The WFTDA International Championships is the most prestigious roller derby tournament, showcasing top-ranked women’s teams from around the globe.
What is the oldest roller derby tournament?
The Gotham Girls Roller Derby Home Season, established in 2003, is the oldest roller derby tournament in existence.
What is the hardest roller derby tournament to win?
The WFTDA International Championships is considered the hardest roller derby tournament to win due to the high-level competition among the best women’s roller derby teams worldwide.
