By USO Staff
Anticipation ran high in the weeks leading up to the Madden NFL 25 Salute to Service Showdown, a USO Gaming event in partnership with the NFL and EA Sports™ that attracted nearly 300 contestants stationed in 16 countries.
After a month-long series of online and in-person qualifiers, the USO invited the eight grand finalists to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, to compete for two tickets and an all-expenses-paid trip to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans for them and a guest. The top two contestants would walk away with this ultimate prize.
The USO invited the eight finalists to Tampa, Florida, to wo tickets and an all-expenses-paid trip to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
“The Salute to Service Showdown in partnership with the NFL is particularly important to us — as it brings service members from around the world together over two passionate endeavors: competition and football,” said Callum Fletcher, USO Senior Director of Global Gaming Operations.
“Nowhere else can service members step into a virtual NFL stadium and potentially walk away with tickets and a trip to the Super Bowl — and I think that speaks to the commitment and support of the NFL and the USO to our service members.”
The eight contestants began their day at 8:00 am on November 10, 2024, in the USO-NFL Gaming Trailer, featuring eight gaming stations, five televisions and a surround sound system. The trailer travels throughout the country to take the USO Gaming Program on the road, providing service members Wi-Fi access, air conditioning, comfortable seating and snacks. The day continued after the Grand Finals when the players and their guests attended the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. San Francisco 49ers NFL Salute to Service game.
Sizing Up the Competition
For the service members who played in the grand finals for the first time this year, the battle against their fellow competitors was the toughest it had ever been, with four contestants returning from previous Showcase Showdown Grand Finals.

Michael Clark, a service member in the U.S. Air Force was one of the eight finalists. | Photo credit Matthew Borrett
Michael Clark, a member of the U.S. Air Force, was one of 2023’s two Showcase Showdown winners, and he hadn’t lost a single game throughout this year’s qualifiers, even under some pretty demanding conditions.
“I won the first qualifier in between two night shifts,” Michael said. In a 36-hour stretch, he slept just two hours while waiting for his next opponent to join the tournament.
Eric Ruiz, a member of the U.S. Marine Corps and another Grand Finalist from 2023, also returned to the 2024 rematch.
“It still feels surreal to me at moments, being that the Super Bowl is a game that every NFL fan dreams of going to. Winning tickets to that game by winning in Madden NFL— the game I’ve enjoyed playing my whole life — would probably blow my mind,” Eric said in the days before the grand finals.
Leo Jones, another member of the Air Force, returned to the Salute to Service Showdown Grand Finals for his third year. Yes, third. He has continued to stay in touch with previous participants so they can game together, and he takes every chance he can to play with other service members through the USO Gaming program, including at USO Centers, base-supported events and USO Mobile vehicles.

Leo Jones, another service member in the U.S. Air Force, participated in the Salute to Service Showdown for the third time. | Photo credit Matthew Borrett
Dylan Walker, a member of the U.S. Navy, was a returning competitor from the 2022 Salute to Service Showdown Grand Finals as well. This year, he made a dream come true: he earned his spot as one of this year’s top two winners and is headed to the Super Bowl in February.
“I wasn’t expecting any of that to happen,” Dylan said.
“Thank you to the USO for everything that y'all did. It was an incredible experience, not only for myself, but everyone else that was there as well.”
He also expressed his gratitude to the NFL.
“It sounds cheesy when I say this, but it was a remarkable experience that none of us would probably ever do if it wasn’t for the NFL.”
The Grand Finals First-Timers
Kristopher Houchins, another member of the Navy, was projected to be a solid contender. This was his fourth year competing in the Salute to Service Showdown qualifiers, but just his first time making it to the Grand Finals.
“I look forward to this tournament all year,” Kristopher said. “I’m truly blessed to be able to participate in such a well-put-together tournament while also serving my country full-time.”
With Kristopher’s 20 years of playing Madden NFL and as the winner of his command’s recent Madden NFL 25 tournament, expectations were high.
He fully delivered on those expectations, ultimately winning one of the top two spots.
“The feeling is absolutely amazing,” Kristopher said. “An all-expense paid trip to the Super Bowl for winning an esport tournament is something one can only dream of, and I can’t wait. I am looking forward to the food in New Orleans, the halftime performance by Kendrick Lamar and possibly running into a few celebrities.”
For many finalists, the all-expenses-paid trip to the Grand Finals in Tampa was almost as exciting as a potential trip to the Super Bowl.
The finalists got the opportunity to attend an NFL game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
For Francisco Colon, a member of the U.S. Army, it was a chance to see his girlfriend, Ella Reider, before she leaves for Parris Island for U.S. Marine Corps boot camp. He has been stationed in Hungary since July 4 and welcomed the opportunity to spend some well-deserved time stateside.
“It has been really fun participating in this tournament. I have always loved playing Madden NFL, and being able to play it with more of a prize than just bragging rights is very cool,” Francisco said.
Robert Hollon, a member of the Navy, was another competitor who traveled thousands of miles to the Grand Finals. Robert and his family have been stationed in Italy at U.S. Naval Support Activity Naples for three years.
This was Robert’s first year in the Salute to Service Showdown Grand Finals. He was a competitor to watch, after coming close to the finals last year in the USO EMEA regional qualifier — plus 20 years of experience playing Madden NFL.
“I’m a huge football fan, and Madden is really the only game I play,” Robert said. “I think it’s amazing that I have a chance to go watch the Super Bowl from playing Madden. It’s awesome to have the support from the NFL. It shows that they care about our military members.”
How Gaming Helps Our Service Members
“Gaming can be an incredible resource to service members and their families throughout and long after their deployment. It provides entertainment, relaxation, escapism and, most importantly, connection,” said Callum Fletcher about the role of the USO Gaming program.
“It can’t be overstated how impactful it is for a service member to have the ability to immediately share a common interest with their peers or the ability to get online and play with their family and friends on the other side of the world,” he said.
USO Gaming gave service members the opportunity to relax while competing in friendly competition.
Gaming has been proven to release stress, which is critical for the people who serve our nation day in and day out, often in remote locations and high-intensity environments. When your mind intently focuses on a single activity, it quiets your other thoughts. Being fully present in the moment can lead to a “flow state,” much like meditation, which has clearly been shown to reduce stress and lessen anxiety.
Gaming can improve mental health as well. When we experience enjoyment, our brain releases a neurotransmitter called dopamine, known as the “feel good” hormone. Gaming also creates the opportunity for small victories. When goals are achieved, they create feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction. The brain perceives those victories, although small, as a reason to celebrate.
Video games are so much more than a screen, a game console and the act of putting on a headset for a few hours of fun. For many service members, the escapism of video games can allow them to forget – just for a moment – the stress and responsibility of their work.
They provide service members with a moment of normalcy and a brief respite from the pressure of their service to this nation – and through the USO, they can do just that.
The NFL supports USO Centers and USO Gaming activities year-round, and it has become a key part of the USO and NFL partnership that spans 55 years.
This includes the sponsorship of a USO Center at Pituffik Space Base, Greenland, the construction of a USO Center aboard the U.S. Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, the USO-NFL Mobile Gaming Trailer and the now-closed Pat Tillman Memorial USO Center – the first USO Center in Afghanistan.
Gaming has been proven to release stress, which is critical for the people who serve our nation day in and day out, often in remote locations and high-intensity environments.
“As a Salute to Service partner, the USO gives us the opportunity to honor, empower and connect with our active-duty service members and military communities. Through a variety of collaborations including overseas tours, gameday shoutouts, and tournaments just like this one, we’re grateful to give back to our men and women in uniform,” said NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson. “Congratulations to Kristopher Houchins and Dylan Walker on your success, can’t wait to see you in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX!”
After his big win, Kristopher said that it’s truly inspiring to see the NFL support service members.
“Initiatives that provide opportunities for military personnel to experience events like the Super Bowl not only recognize their sacrifices but also foster a sense of connection and appreciation” he said.
“It’s a meaningful way to honor those who serve and to give back in a way that celebrates both their dedication and the spirit of sportsmanship. I am honored to be one of the recipients this year of this amazing prize.”
About the Two Service Members Who Won Top Spots in the Madden NFL 25 Salute to Service Showdown, a USO Gaming Event in Partnership With the NFL and EA Sports™
Kristopher Houchins is a U.S. Navy Petty Officer stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. His hometown is North Charleston, South Carolina. This is his fourth year competing in the Salute to Service Showdown qualifiers and his first time in the Grand Finals. His favorite team is the Indianapolis Colts, and wide receiver Reggie Wayne is his favorite player.
In the end, Kristopher Houchins, a U.S. Navy Petty Officer, and Dylan Walker, a Petty Officer 3rd Class, won tickets and a trip to Super Bowl LIX.
Dylan Walker is a Petty Officer 3rd Class at Naval Base Coronado in Coronado, California, and he is a returning competitor from the 2022 Salute to Service Showdown. Dylan has built years-long friendships from his experiences with the Salute to Service tournaments. Dylan grew up as a military child but considers Memphis, Tennessee, his hometown because he graduated from high school and college there. His favorite team is the Las Vegas Raiders and defensive end Maxx Crosby is his favorite player.
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