Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Showdowns!
by Sam Keilback & ManintheMoon
Back at it again in 2026, we have another year of exciting Showdown tournaments! We’ve put together answers to a few frequently asked questions to explain what this year has in store.
What is a Showdown Tournament?
The Showdown tournaments are a community focused online event series celebrating this wonderful game that we all love! Aimed at players of all skill levels and familiarity, they’re a great first step for getting involved in competitive play. The Showdowns are organized by ManintheMoon.
Most Showdowns are run with a day time start for North American players and an evening start for European players. However, this season we have two new events with daytime starts for the APAC and EMEA regions! Anyone is, of course, welcome to play in any Showdown, but it’s not always easy to start playing Netrunner at 2am. So, hopefully you’ll find a few events that will work for you throughout the year.
When are the Showdowns?
Summer Showdown: May 23rd 2026
EMEA Showdown: July 11th 2026
Worlds Showdown: September, 2026
Ultimate Showdown: November, 2026
How do I register for these events?
You can purchase tickets through ManintheMoon’s website if you want to receive physical prizes. Always be Running pages below:
APAC SHOWDOWN - Open Now! ➡️ Buy a Ticket ⬅️
SUMMER SHOWDOWN - Opens April 18th, 2026
EMEA SHOWDOWN - Opens June 13th, 2026
WORLDS SHOWDOWN - Opens August 2026
ULTIMATE SHOWDOWN - (Invitational) November 2026
I’m new to Netrunner. Can I play in a Showdown?
Yes! Showdowns are aimed at all skill levels and are intended to be a warm introduction to organized play. Showdowns are run with a focus on everyone having a great time playing Netrunner. You can earn additional prizing just for playing the entire event, ensuring that even if you show up just to have a good time, you’ll walk away with plenty of prizing. There’s even a bonus prize if it’s your first Showdown!
Do I have to buy a ticket to play in the Showdown?
No. You can play without a ticket if you don’t want to get physical prizes just register on cobra using the link on the always be running page. Or, you can get a free ticket! The Netrunner community is extremely generous and thanks to my Patreon team and those who donate during registration, we are able to provide free or discounted tickets to players who need them. This means the cost of buying a ticket doesn’t have to be a barrier to play and receive prizes, so please use one if you need. Free tickets only qualify you for prizes if you participate in the event.
For a free ticket use the code: NETRUNNER4EVERYONE
For a 25% discount use the code: 18$TICKET
How does prizing work?
Each Showdown in 2026 will follow a similar prizing structure:
| Ticket purchase | Two participation prize playsets with new choices for each Showdown |
| Early Registration or Patreon Member | Additional alt-art ID available during the first 48 hours (or anytime for Patreon members) |
| Optional add-ons to support the event ❤️ | Event-specific collectible iridescent acrylic ID Up to 3 additional playsets of your choice |
|
2 Wins (or played in the final round) |
One copy of the 2026 Showdown collectible Hannah, drawn by V4lvi_ |
|
3 Wins (or played in the final round) |
A dragon stained glass runner ID inspired by the character’s lore |
| 4 Wins | More cards! A prize you have to win |
| 5 Wins | The Showdown Key |
| 6 Wins | A foil playset of a previous prize |
| 7 Wins | For events over 180 players |
| Top 16 | Fancy, exclusive goodies! |
| Top 4 | Ultimate Showdown invitation |
To see an example of this structure in action, check out our article about the 2026 APAC Showdown!
What is a Showdown Key?
A Showdown Key is an exciting new prize we’re offering for the 2026 Showdowns. Winning a Showdown Key gets you a six digit code included in your prizes. This code will allow you to claim additional special prizes when you register for one or both of the next two Showdowns. Collect as many keys as possible!
What might these Keys unlock? Every 2026 Key will give you the option to claim AugustusCaesar’s Ultimate Showdown champ card, Slash and Burn Agriculture, but beyond the champ card each key will have a different collection of prizes to choose from!
Can I buy a ticket just to support the event and collect the participation prizes?
Yes! Playing is definitely not required, but you’re also welcome to drop in and drop out at any point during the tournament to collect a couple more prizes. Pro tip: anyone who plays in the final round of swiss will get the 2 and 3 wins prizes 😉
We’re excited for another year of great online events. Check back for updates throughout the year. We hope to see you at the Showdowns!