Top 8 must-attend SWAT competitions across the nation

By Police1 Staff

Law enforcement tactical training and competitive events have grown in popularity, offering SWAT teams opportunities to hone their skills, share best practices and foster camaraderie. From hands-on tactical challenges to precision marksmanship and simulated real-life scenarios, these competitions not only serve as a training ground but also as a platform for teams to showcase their expertise. Below is a list of some notable SWAT competitions, including details on their locations, frequency, application process and what each competition involves.

1. Connecticut SWAT Challenge

• Location: East Granby, Conn.
• Frequency: The Connecticut SWAT Challenge is held annually. They celebrated the event’s 20th anniversary in 2024 and this year’s event will be held August 11-14, 2025.
• What it involves: The four-day-long competition offers an array of events for SWAT teams that come to Connecticut from across the nation. Teams are pushed to their limits with physically demanding tasks, simulated hostage rescues, and marksmanship challenges with both rifles and pistols. This annual event is designed to test individual skills while building stronger team bonds. This event is open to all law enforcement, military, corrections, federal and state ESU/SRT/SWAT/special operations personnel.
• How to apply: Visit their website for more information.

2. North Carolina Tactical Officers Association SWAT Competition

• Location: Jackson Springs, N.C.
• Frequency: The North Carolina Tactical Officers Association (NCTOA) SWAT Competition is held annually. Last year, the event was held from Nov. 12-15, 2024.
• What it involves: Teams from around the state compete in eight events that test operator’s endurance, agility, problem-solving and firearms proficiency.
• How to apply: Visit their website for more information.

3. Oklahoma SWAT Competition

• Location: Stillwater, Okla.
• Frequency: The Oklahoma SWAT Competition is held annually. The Tulsa Police Department Special Operations Team is hosting the 2025 Oklahoma SWAT Competition on May 7 in Tulsa, Okla. The event is open to all SWAT teams in the state.
• What it involves: The Oklahoma SWAT Competition showcases top teams from across the state. Last year, agencies such as Tulsa Police, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma City, South Metro Tactical, Lawton, Midwest City, Edmond, Enid, Shawnee and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs competed in six events — from pistol, rifle and sniper challenges to a two-person team event, hostage rescue and an obstacle course. Each event blended fitness with precision shooting, with participants completing sprints or runs while carrying gear and wearing 25-pound entry vests and helmets.
• How to apply: To apply, email Tulsa PD Capt. Mike Eckert at meckert@cityoftulsa.org.

4. PrairieFire National SWAT Competition

• Location: Pahrump, Nev.
• Frequency: The inaugural National SWAT Competition was held from Oct. 10-12, 2024. According to the organization’s website, it will become an annual tradition in the tactical law enforcement community.
• What it involves: PrairieFire’s inaugural National SWAT Competition brought together the nation’s top teams to showcase their elite tactical skills. Up to 50 teams competed for a total of $200,000 in cash and prizes, while spectators enjoyed the chance to connect with their heroes, explore sponsor demonstrations and experience PrairieFire’s unique special-operations-inspired activities.
• How to apply: Visit their website for more information.

5. Southwest Florida Region VI SWAT Challenge

• Location: Naples, Fla.
• Frequency: The Southwest Florida Region VI SWAT Challenge is held annually. Last year, 13 teams stretching from Sarasota to Collier County came together to compete — fighting through the rain and heat.
• What it involves: The competition, hosted by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, is a multi-event competition demanding physical strength, endurance, teamwork and firearms accuracy.
• How to apply: Reach out to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office for more information.

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6. South Carolina SWAT Challenge

• Location: Laurens, S.C.
• Frequency: The South Carolina SWAT Challenge is held annually. This year’s event is being held Feb. 18-20, 2025.
• What it involves: The challenge pushes teams through seven unique events that assess both tactical and technical proficiency. It offers agencies statewide the chance to network, share knowledge and engage in competition — all while highlighting the high-level skills, mental focus and physical endurance needed for elite performance.
• How to apply: Visit their website for more information.

7. SWAT Round-Up International

• Location: Orlando, Fla.
• Frequency: The SWAT Round-Up International event is held annually. This year’s event is being held Nov. 2-7, 2025.
• What it involves: SWAT Round-Up International is a week-long competition event that tests the abilities of officers from different countries to shoot accurately, move dynamically, think on their feet and make tough decisions. Officers from as far away as Dubai and Bosnia come to compete in events such as marksmanship, obstacle courses, hostage rescues and fitness challenges.
• How to apply: Visit their website for more information.

8. Texas Tactical Police Officer Association SWAT Competition

• Location: Conroe, Texas
• Frequency: The Texas Tactical Police Officer Association (TTPOA) SWAT Competition is held annually. This year’s event will be held Oct. 8-12, 2025.
• What it involves: The TTPOA SWAT Competition is a five-day event uniting law enforcement and military teams from across the country. Teams of five (with one alternate) face “blind” tactical challenges — receiving mission details just hours before each exercise — to test communication, precision shooting, endurance and teamwork.
• How to apply: Visit their website for more information.

Stay connected

SWAT competitions or challenges often leverage social media to announce registration dates, deadlines and behind-the-scenes training tips. Follow their official pages on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (previously known as Twitter) or LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with the latest news. Whether you’re looking to push your team’s boundaries or learn from other law enforcement professionals, these SWAT competitions offer unparalleled opportunities to enhance tactical skills and gain valuable real-world experience.

Did we miss a must-attend SWAT competition? Email us at editor@police1.com so we can add it onto our list!