REGINA — Regina is about to become Canada’s newest hub for competitive Catan, the world-famous strategy board game that has players trading, building and battling for victory points. On Feb. 28 at the Escape Club (2410 Dewdney Ave.), the Catan National Qualifier kicks off at 9 a.m., with a $25 entry fee and a chance to qualify for larger national championships.
The event is drawing an enthusiastic crowd, and one of its biggest champions didn’t even start here.
Tyrel Wilgosh, founder of the Sask Catan group and a seasoned player, said his passion for competitive Catan began at a qualifier in early 2025.
“February 7, in neutral, I competed in my first national qualifiers… the turnout was built, 14 people, and I really enjoyed it,” Wilgosh said. “But I also wanted to play against more people, so I thought to try to host my own tournament… we ended up having a turnout of 47 players.”
That first Sask Catan tournament in Saskatoon drew players from across the Prairies and sparked a growing community.
“On February 13, 2025, we created our first Facebook page,” Wilgosh said. “Our first tournament was May 10, and I really went full into it. I created the website and used my skills to now have the biggest Catan tournament in Canada.”
Though the upcoming Regina qualifier is part of Catan Studios’ official organized play circuit, Wilgosh said he’s proud to run sanctioned qualifiers as one of the country’s few sponsored organizers.
“I’m not part of the national team held by Catan Studios,” he explained, “but I am sponsored by them to run national qualifiers of my own, around three to four per year.”
The Regina event has already drawn strong interest. Wilgosh said 42 players are registered, including competitors from Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Calgary and Edmonton. “About half our player base is actually from Regina,” he said, adding that two winners of previous qualifiers hail from the city.
What makes Catan events so welcoming, Wilgosh said, is the mix of experience levels.
“At each Catan event, it’s usually about half new people, a little bit more than half new people,” he said. “We’ve had casual nights where three new players came and by the end of the night they were completely into Catan.”
The game’s growth in Saskatchewan mirrors a wider surge in tabletop gaming worldwide. Since its release in 1995 as The Settlers of Catan, the German-designed board game has become a staple at game nights, conventions and competitive leagues. Organized play circuits in the U.S., Europe and Canada now support thousands of players, with national and international championships that draw crowds and serious strategic skill.
And Catan’s appeal goes beyond competition. The game emphasizes social strategy, negotiation and fun. Wilgosh said that’s part of why the Sask Catan community keeps growing.
“We rotate casual meetups every two weeks in Saskatoon,” he said. “The venues are happy to have us and it’s always a good time.”
Players of all ages and experience levels are welcome at the Regina qualifier.
“There are a lot of new players,” Wilgosh said. “There’s also kids that come and play. It is family friendly, don’t be scared. You get a guaranteed three games and you’ll learn. People are very inviting to newcomers.”
The qualifier day at the Escape Club promises more than just intense Catan strategy. Wilgosh said participants receive welcome packages with sponsor discounts, including deals at game shops like Dragon Den, and giveaways of expansion sets and other items. For players eliminated early, organizers are also partnering with Escape Club to offer reduced-price escape room sessions.
“All boards are provided,” Wilgosh said, “so you don’t need to bring your own. The $25 fee helps cover marketing and the venue, and you get a lot back in sponsor support.”
Looking ahead, Wilgosh wants to take Catan organized play to even more cities.
“The next one I want to try is a Winnipeg national qualifier,” he said, noting that many players already travel across province lines for events. With tournaments now attracting competitors from across Western Canada, the Sask Catan group hopes Regina will become a regular destination on the national circuit.
“We welcome everyone. You can find all Sask Catan events on our website and Facebook page, and we hope to see everyone at upcoming events.”
Whether you’re a seasoned settler or a curious newcomer, the Regina Catan National Qualifier this February promises a day of competition, fun and community — and it might just turn you into the next Prairie Catan champion.
