The origin of the NOVA Open was back in 2009 with a gathering of 32 gamers for an outdoor Warhammer 40,000 event. Played in a campsite beneath a shady canopy of trees, 4 rounds of games were played. Armies were crushed, food was served… and an idea for something new began to take shape.
Photos from the 2009 Outdoor Tournament
NOVA Open 2010 was the inaugural launch of this new experimental format. 114 players from around the country came to Chantilly, VA to test their skills. With positive post-event feedback and hard-won experience, planning began for a more ambitious event for the following year.
2011 saw over 400 attendees participate in various game systems during a 4 day event in Arlington, VA. The massive increase in attendance only galvanized organizers into redoubling their efforts. Considering that a major hurricane that weekend wasn’t enough to deter the vast majority of gamers- we couldn’t do any less!
When the idea of the NOVA Open began to materialize, lists of critical elements for improving the way hobbyists compete, and for running a seamless tabletop Wargaming convention for player enjoyment, were developed. These simple concepts continue to be the primary motivations behind the NOVA Open.
The NOVA Open mission statement looks to a future which may allow for some proceeds to be donated to charitable activities.
