The Tactical Games Italy 2026
The Tactical Games: the ultimate test of functional fitness and firepower arrives in Italy, in Terni, on August 22 and 23. Come and see the most spectacular sport shooting event of the year!
The Tactical Games Italy
- August, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23
- CTS Shooting Ranges – Terni (Italy)
The Tactical Games (TTG) are officially coming to Italy! Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23, as the ultimate test of physical endurance and marksmanship takes over the state-of-the-art CTS Poligoni di Tiro (CTS Shooting Ranges) in Terni.
Born in the United States to bridge the gap between functional fitness competitions and combat readiness, The Tactical Games have rapidly grown into a global phenomenon. The sport recently expanded its footprint into Europe, establishing its headquarters and hosting major regional events in Poland.
Now, this adrenaline-pumping action sport is heading to Italy, bringing this elite competition to the stunning landscape of Umbria, right next to the famous Marmore Falls.
Where Fitness meets Firepower
At its core, The Tactical Games ask one brutal question: can you run, lift, and shoot under extreme physical and mental stress?
Unlike traditional shooting sports where athletes step up to the firing line fresh and composed, TTG forces competitors to earn their trigger time. Athletes are pushed to their absolute limits through grueling functional fitness challenges before they ever look down their sights.
- The Physical Toll: Competitors face heavy functional movements like farmer's carries, sandbag throws, intense running intervals, rope climbs, and obstacle navigation—often while wearing weighted plate carriers.
- The Marksmanship: Once their heart rate is redlined and their muscles are burning, athletes must instantly transition into a calm, focused shooting position to engage targets with pinpoint accuracy.
- The Arsenal: The games are fundamentally a "2-gun" competition. Athletes navigate stages using both a semi-automatic rifle (typically an AR-15 platform with optics) and a pistol, demanding seamless transitions and flawless weapon manipulation under pressure.
How the Competition is Organized
The Tactical Games Italy is a typical Tactical Games Regional event, a grueling two-day crucible, specifically designed to test every facet of an athlete's capability. Over the weekend, competitors tackle multiple dynamic stages (typically 4 stages per day):
- Mixed Stages: The bread and butter of TTG, combining intense athletic movement directly into precision shooting phases.
- Physical Stages: Purely athletic tests to gauge strength and conditioning without firearms.
- Shooting & 2-Gun Stages: Heavy emphasis on target acquisition, transitions between rifle and pistol, and shooting aggregates against the clock.
- Running Stages: Testing raw cardiovascular endurance and speed.
To ensure a fair and highly competitive environment, the event is broken down into multiple divisions and categories. This allows athletes of all backgrounds—from active-duty military and law enforcement to civilian fitness enthusiasts—to compete at their appropriate level:
- Elite: For the highest level of competitors who can handle the heaviest weights and strictest physical standards.
- Tactical: The standard division for experienced athletes and shooters.
- Intermediate: Perfect for those newer to the sport who are still building their fitness or shooting proficiency.
- Masters: Age-bracketed divisions (40+, 50+, 60+) for older athletes who still want to bring the heat.
- Team: For athletes who prefer to tackle the pain and the courses of fire together as a unit.
Whether you are aiming for the podium, looking to test your tactical skills, or just want to witness some of the most capable athletes in Europe, The Tactical Games Italy at CTS Poligoni di Tiro promises to be an unforgettable weekend.
FIREARMS AND GEAR
To compete in The Tactical Games, athletes must adhere to a strict set of gear requirements designed to level the playing field and simulate real-world operational weight. All competitors must pass a gear inspection prior to the match.
Firearms & Ammunition
The Tactical Games is a strict 2-gun competition. You must use the exact same firearms and optics for the entire duration of the event.
- Primary Weapon (Rifle): Must be a minimum .223 caliber (5.56 NATO). Some formats accept .308. Muzzle brakes and compensators are strictly prohibited unless covered by a blast-forward device or suppressor. A tactical sling is mandatory and must remain attached to the rifle for the entirety of the match.
- Secondary Weapon (Pistol): Must be 9mm minimum caliber.
- Magazines: The rules highly recommend a minimum of 5 magazines for your rifle and 5 for your pistol. You can expect to run up to five for each weapon system during a single stage.
- Ammunition: While the exact round count varies by event, competitors generally need to bring about 250 rounds per weapon system.
- Chamber Flag: Required for the rifle anytime the competitor is not at the firing line.
Plate Carrier & Body Armor
The plate carrier is the central element of the physical challenge. It must meet specific weight constraints, which are measured "slick"—meaning the carrier is weighed before adding any magazine pouches, attachments, tourniquets, or hydration bladders.
- Men's Plate Carrier: Must weigh a minimum of 15 lbs (6.8 kg).
- Women's Plate Carrier: Must weigh a minimum of 12 lbs (5.5 kg).
(Note: The Elite and Tactical divisions require the weighted plate carrier, though some events offer a "Slick" or Light division with different requirements.)
Belt & Holster
Your belt setup must be reliable enough to handle sprinting, crawling, and climbing without losing equipment.
- Holster: Must carry the pistol at or around hip level. Drop-leg holsters are authorized, but shoulder holsters and fanny packs are strictly prohibited.
- Consistency: You must use the exact same holster and belt setup throughout the entire competition. Modifying your belt after check-in is not allowed.
Safety Equipment
Because safety is the absolute highest priority on a "cold range," the following personal protective equipment is non-negotiable:
- Eye Protection: Ballistic-rated eye protection is mandatory for all shooting stages.
- Ear Protection: Must be worn during all shooting stages. Electronic ear protection is highly recommended so you can clearly hear Range Officer commands.
(In addition to the mandatory gear, competitors are highly encouraged to bring durable tactical pants, trail running shoes or boots with good traction, gloves for rope climbs and barricades, knee pads, and ample hydration and nutrition).
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR THE TACTICAL GAMES ITALY
Registration for The Tactical Games Italy at CTS Poligoni di Tiro in Terni is currently open.
Because this is an official TTG Regional Event, the registration process is handled online through the main Tactical Games network.
The Tactical Games Presidents: Nick Thayer (USA) and Mateusz Goliszek (Europe)
COMPETITOR REGISTRATION
Athletes must register online to compete. Here is the process:
- Visit the Official Site: Go to the events page on either the main US website (thetacticalgames.com/events) or the European hub (thetacticalgames.eu/events).
- Select the Event: Look for the TTG Regional — CTS Shooting Ranges, Italy event scheduled for August 22–23, 2026, and click "Register".
- Choose Your Division: You will be prompted to select your division (Elite, Tactical, Intermediate, Masters, or Team) during the signup process.
- Complete Registration via PractiScore: The Tactical Games utilizes PractiScore for match registration and scoring. You will need a free PractiScore account to complete your entry.
REGISTRATION COSTS
- Individual: $399
- Team Division: $600 total ($300 per person). Note: Both teammates must register individually in PractiScore.
SPECTATOR REGISTRATION
If you aren't ready to compete but want to watch the action, you can attend the event as a spectator!
- Cost: Entry is completely free.
- How to Sign Up: You must register in advance.
Go to thetacticalgames.eu/spectators, fill out your contact details, select the Italy event, and accept the spectator regulations and safety waiver.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL NOTICE
Because this is an international firearms event, TTG advises all competitors traveling to Italy from abroad to ensure they have the proper travel documentation and to carefully review local Italian regulations regarding the international transport of firearms and ammunition.
