Be honest; how hyped do you get when you play Catan? A lot, right? Don’t worry; we get it – diving into the world of the settlers can be addicting. The Catan universe has something to offer for any type of player, whether you enjoy managing settlements or expanding your network of roads. With its engaging gameplay and immersive world, this game is sure to get your competitive side fired up.

The World of Catan: A Brief History

A Eurogame created in Germany, Catan has non-traditional gameplay. However, despite this, the analog board game has quickly become an American classic. In fact, since launching in the US in 1996, Catan has sold over 40 million games. The Washington Post even labeled it the “Board Game of Our Time,” likening it to Monopoly in the Depression Era.

Catan is also loved across the globe and has been published in over 40 languages. And to show their appreciation, the developers have been organizing an international tournament, aka the Catan World Championship, since 2002, where players get to show off their skills.

Catan Studio is currently in charge of hosting the current iteration of the competition. And they are popular too, with 40+ countries having participated in the Catan World Championship to date.

How to Join a Catan Tournament

Players typically join to show off their skills, face off against the best Catan players in the world, or simply play for fun. However, you must pass through the National Championship before you can play in the Catan World Championship.

And prior to this, you must get through the Qualifier rounds at the local levels. Fortunately, preliminary games like these typically have free entry. However, you may be charged anywhere from USD 5 to USD 25, depending on your organizer.

Qualifiers are also often included in conventions and other events. Catan Studio has a unique program that lets registered events host and declares winners for local tournaments. Sometimes, the event managers may ask you to register with the convention before you can sign up for the tournament. Additionally, these qualifying rounds are not available in all countries. But if you are from the US, the UK, South Africa, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, or Australia, you are in luck.

Bagging a Catan National Championship

Catan Studio regularly hosts local competitions and events in these countries. If you win this tournament and additional qualifier events, you get guaranteed seat to compete in your country’s Catan National Championship. However, you have the opportunity to be the Catan World Champion only once every two years.

But passionate players can compete in the regional tournaments to develop their skills during the off years. For example, Catan enthusiasts from the Americas gathered in Oaxaca, Mexico, in 2019 to participate in the American Continental Championship. This event featured participants from North, Central, and South America.

What are the Rules for the Catan National Championship?

According to the official rules, all three preliminary games should be played in a single day. There is also an age requirement when participating. You must be at least 18 years to join these events. This age requirement is necessary as players may have to travel for further rounds of the tournament.

For example, if you are a participant from the US, you will face off against the top American Catan players at the Origins Game Fair. This event in Columbus, Ohio, has been hosting the US Catan National Championship since 2018.

The semi-finals and the finals are also generally split off from the preliminary games. A minor may not be able to make it to these dates or navigate to the hosting location. Aside from the age requirement, the players must also be a permanent resident of the country. So, only an American citizen can participate in an American Qualifier round and other additional qualifier events.

This rule is crucial because you may represent your country if you successfully manage to get through the Catan National Tournament. Each participating nation sends two of its top players to the Catan World Championship rounds. Catan Studio also manages an Eternal Dashboard showcasing the current top countries.

These rankings are based on the score result of each country’s players. For example, the current Catan global scoreboard is dominated by the following participants

• New Zealand
• The United States of America
• Italy
• Denmark
• Australia

How to Be a Catan World Champion

Since its initial entry into the American market, Catan has been a hit. Catan’s unusual strategic style, designed for 3 to 4 players, was an instant classic. In fact, this board game was one of the first Eurogames to hit big in America. The then “Settlers of Catan” (now simply Catan) was even awarded the Origins Award in the US as a recognition of its popularity.

But despite this, international players were not always allowed in official tournaments. Previously, only German Catan players were allowed to compete in these competitions. However, the Catan World Championship, first announced in 2002, allowed worldwide players to join the phenomenon.

Now, any participant that passed Catan Studio’s preliminary games and additional qualifier events is free entry into the global tournament. Participants from as far as Denmark to Malaysia to Ireland gather every 2 years to participate in the Catan World Championship.

However, each player must have participated in their country’s National Championship. Additionally, only two National Champions are selected to represent their country in the semi-finals and finals.

For example, Hamish Dean was one of the participants representing New Zealand in the 2022 Catan World Championship. He had faced off against tough opponents, playing against players representing Italy, Denmark, and the US in his final match.

Dean went on to win the grand prize and become the 2022 Catan World Champion. The New Zealand native’s final and semi-finals were also live-streamed on the internet. Many were even present at the hosting location in Valletta, Malta, for the physical event. If you want some tips to develop your gameplay, you can watch the replay on the official Catan YouTube account/channel.

Things to Know About the Catan World Championship

The Catan World Championship is only held once every two years. Moreover, Catan Studio has yet to disclose the dates and the hosting location for the 2024 event. Details like these are always exciting as the venue changes with each Championship. For example, the 2022 Catan World Championship was held in November 18th to 20th in Valletta, Malta.

However, a continental tournament like the 2023 Americas or the European Championships, is held annually. You can play at these events to hone your skill and raise your rankings. Additionally Catan is now available to play in PC and mobile devices. You can trade and create partnerships with friends when playing directly from your iOS/Mac or Windows, or Android device.

Moreover, the world of Catan is also accessible to console players as the developers have launched the title and its extension for Xbox and PS4/5.

Last Updated on August 26, 2023 by soubhik