By Jade Thornton, OMAHA, Neb. — Hundreds of gamers will gather in Omaha this March for NETWAR 2025, one of the Midwest’s largest LAN gaming events. More than just a competition, the event blends intense gameplay with a charitable mission, having raised over $140,000 for nonprofit organizations like Gamers Outreach.
With gaming continuing to grow both as a pastime and a profession, NETWAR provides players with the rare opportunity to experience a true in-person gaming environment, compete in high-stakes tournaments, and help make a difference for hospitalized children.
Esports with a Purpose
NETWAR’s impact goes beyond the screen. The event raises funds for Gamers Outreach, a nonprofit that supplies GO Karts—portable gaming stations—to hospitals, providing entertainment and connection for children undergoing long-term medical treatments.
A Project GO Kart gaming station by Gamers Outreach, designed to provide entertainment for hospitalized children. (Image courtesy of Gamers Outreach)
Attendees at this year’s event won’t just be playing for themselves but for a cause that directly supports children in need.
A Community of Gamers
Beyond the fundraising efforts, NETWAR brings together gamers from across the region, providing a rare in-person gaming experience in an era dominated by online play. Competitive and casual players alike will have the chance to enjoy LAN gaming, where low-latency gameplay and a shared atmosphere make for a unique experience.
Members of the IWCC Esports team engaged in gameplay during a session on February 28, 2025. (Jade Thornton)
Gaming in person isn’t always about competition though, it’s also about building a community.
“I mean, it’s the same thing as any other sport. I mean, it’s a community of people,” said Eli Ryun, a Rocket League competitor. “Say the football team is like a family, the basketball team is like a family. We’re all playing the same game… like us four, us five on the Rocket League team, they all play the same game together. We’re playing together all the time. And it’s just like you said, it’s a community of people that are playing towards the same goal.”
The Growing Impact of Esports
NETWAR isn’t just a gaming event—it’s an example of how esports and community engagement can come together. Players of all skill levels attend to compete, connect, and contribute to a larger cause.
“The key thing about esports is that it puts, in our case, 40 people in a room, they all have the same interest,” said Payton Butler, another esports competitor. “That interest is playing video games, and from that interest, we can start bouncing out other things. It’s a really good way to bring people together, when in real life, it’s usually like, ‘I don’t know anything about them, why would I interact with them?’”
How to Attend
NETWAR 2025 is set to take place this March in Omaha, welcoming gamers from all backgrounds. Whether attendees are looking to compete in tournaments, experience LAN gaming, or support a charitable cause, the event offers something for everyone.
For ticket information, tournament schedules, and fundraising details, visit NETWAR’s official website.
