Service Members Compete, Win and Connect in the 2024 USO Commanders Cup with Rocket League

By Barry Morris

For over 82 years, the USO has continuously supported America’s service members and their families through our more than 250 Center locations around the world, and various programs designed to enhance their quality of life.

Among these, the USO Gaming Program has become a crucial resource providing a unique avenue for recreation, social connection and stress relief for the people who serve and military families.

The recent USO Commanders Cup Gaming Tournament, held at the USO Gaming Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Aug. 10-11, 2024, highlights the program’s impact on military morale and community.

On a crisp Sunday morning, the USO Gaming Center at Eglin was abuzz with excitement as service members gathered for the Commanders Cup. This event was not merely a competition, but a celebration of camaraderie and resilience through a shared passion for gaming.

The USO Commanders Cup, now in its fourth year, is a highly anticipated event that brings together esports teams from all six branches of the military for a friendly competition in various gaming categories. This year’s tournament was no exception. The air was filled with excitement as participants geared up to showcase their skills, with a special focus on the popular game “Rocket League.”

Rocket League is a high-octane game that combines soccer with rocket-powered cars. Players compete in teams, using their vehicles to hit a giant ball into the opposing team’s goal. The game’s fast-paced action, strategic depth and competitive nature make it a favorite among gamers, including many in the military community.

“Gaming offers an unparalleled opportunity for our troops to unwind, compete and bond,” said Callum Fletcher, Senior Director of Global Gaming Operations at the USO. “It’s more than just a pastime; it’s a critical tool for maintaining morale and fostering community among our service members.”

Research conducted by the Department of Veteran Affairs shows that video games can help service members relieve stress, relax after a long day of duty, connect with loved ones who are thousands of miles away and decompress following a deployment. Additionally, the same study revealed the benefits from gaming stemmed more from the connections the service members and veterans made with other video game players.

That’s exactly why, over the past several years, the USO has continued to expand its USO Gaming Centers, programs and events. The USO Gaming Center at Eglin Air Force Base, where the USO Commanders Cup was hosted, was created with gamers in mind: the 2,500 square-foot USO Gaming Center and café features 24 gaming stations equipped with state-of-the-art systems and games – many donated by Xbox – and ergonomic gaming chairs, donated by Razer™, all of which are available to service members and their military families to use for free.

This Gaming Center is also adorned with colored LED lights that are adjustable, creating a calming and safe environment for service members and their families to enjoy together.

Data from the USO Gaming program also indicates that USO Gaming Centers across various military bases like Eglin Air Force Base have seen a 40% increase in attendance over the past two years, highlighting the growing popularity and importance of this recreational activity.

“When I was on deployment, I needed to decompress, so I grabbed my Nintendo Switch or laptop and played video games in my down time,” said Navy Lt. Aaron “Thalassic” Jones, Navy Esports Division Director. “Gaming is also a fun way for us to interact with – and stay connected with – friends and family.”

As the tournament commenced, participants showcased their skills in Rocket League. The atmosphere was electric, with cheers and laughter filling the air – a stark contrast to the often tense and high-pressure environments these service members typically navigate in their daily jobs.

For Space Force Guardian Amber “Fruitloop” Meadows – who traveled from, and is currently stationed at – Ramstein Air Base Germany, the tournament was a much-needed break. She had always enjoyed gaming but nowadays finds it particularly therapeutic.

“After a long day at work, it’s nice to go back home, unwind and relax by playing Rocket League or another game,” said Amber. “I also play with other friends online; I love the online game play of Rocket League.

The Commanders Cup Gaming Tournament was more than just a series of matches; it was a platform for building relationships among service members and strengthening the military community. Service members from different backgrounds and ranks interacted freely, united by their love for gaming. This sense of community is crucial for mental health and resilience, especially for those who spend long periods away from their families.

Air Force Gaming came out on top again in this year’s USO Commanders Cup, defeating the U.S. Army esports team in the Grand Finals and claiming the Commanders Cup and bragging rights as “the best military Rocket League team” two years in a row, The Air Force Gaming team included A1C Alex “tut” Tuttle, A1C Logan “Lohtek” LeJeune and A1C John “Chowder” Cunningham. 

“I just want to give a shoutout to all the military competitors who came out for this tournament,” said John. “We play together outside of tournaments, and it’s truly a fun experience to come out and build a community like this.”

The USO Gaming Program and events like the USO Commanders Cup Gaming Tournament play an essential role in supporting the well-being of military personnel. By providing a space for relaxation, socialization and friendly competition, the program helps boost morale and fosters a sense of belonging among service members.

As Callum aptly noted, “gaming is not just a recreational activity, but a powerful means of maintaining the mental and emotional health of those who serve.”