Since time immemorial, gamers have had one question: "Who would prevail in a multi-day video game tournament between streamers (more than seven, but less than nine) to win one of their fans an OMEN MAX 16 Gaming Laptop?" Reader, have no fear. That ancient question is finally about to be answered.
The PC Gamer Streamer Showdown Powered by OMEN is the ultimate test of all-around gaming skill across three popular competitive genres: fighting, climbing, and car soccer. This three-day triathlon will be held on September 9, 10, and 12, with streamers earning points in each round of the tournament. Our entrants will fight through the field by winning matches and performing game-specific feats for Cool Points, which contribute equally to the overall ranking. And it'll all be broadcasting live on twitch.tv/pcgamer, where we'll be co-streaming the feeds of our contestants.
What are the games, though?
The opening round tests streamers' reflexes, knowledge of combos, and ability to dodge fireballs in the arcade classic Street Fighter 6. The combatants need to pull out the fighting pad and start perfecting their down-down, right-right punch.
Round two is a test of teamwork in one of 2025's breakout hits, Aggro Crab's Peak, a cooperative climbing game where streamers will pair off with a climbing partner. Grip strength, communication, and knowledge of local fruits and mushrooms will be crucial.
The final round sends two-person teams into Rocket League in a best-of-seven series. Competitors can earn Cool Points in Rocket League by scoring in acrobatic ways or by stopping an opponent cold with a big save, for example.
What's on the line?
First and foremost, bragging rights. There's nothing more elemental than that in video games. The winner will also get our custom-designed Streamer Showdown title belt. We expect them to wear it to all formal events they attend during their reign.
In addition, the winner will give one lucky audience member an OMEN MAX 16 Gaming Laptop. OMEN's most powerful laptop is built to break limits, so figure out who you want to root for now. Their victory could be your key to taking home a laptop with the power of a desktop.
Who is involved?
Want to research our combatants? Who do you want to support in your quest to grab that OMEN 16? Check out the group that'll be throwing down at the Showdown.
ElainaExe
unCAGEDgamez
BarefootTasha
RIPmika
Ash IV_
King Gothalion
CompanionDish
APLFisher
How is it scored?
Here's the scoring system breakdown.
Street Fighter 6
2 points - For a win
1 point - Defeat an opponent in 15 seconds
2 points - Register a perfect round
1 point - Land a 10+ hit combo (max. 1 instance)
1 point - Land a Shoryuken as Ken or Ryu (max. 1 instance)
1 point - Perform a taunt to completion (max. 1 instance)
1 point - Land a Forced Knockdown
Peak
5 points - The team that reaches the farthest
4 points - 2nd farthest team
2 points - 3rd farthest team
0 points - 4th farthest team
1 point - The individual who reaches the farthest
5 points - The team that has the highest average distance
1 point - The team that reaches the end of the game, per player
2 points - The team that escorts "Bing Bong" the farthest on the map
1 points - Find and blow the Bugle of Friendship
2 points - Serenade the capybaras with the Bugle
Rocket League
2 points - Winning a round
1 point - Score a hat trick
1 point - Score an aerial goal
1 point - Make a big save
1 point - Score a goal from "full court"
Tune in to the PC Gamer Streamer Showdown September 9, 10, and 12 on twitch.tv/pcgamer to see who comes out on top.
