Saskatchewan Catan Community Expands with Regina National Qualifier
The strategic board game Catan, originally known as Settlers of Catan, has seen a remarkable surge in popularity across Saskatchewan over the past year. A growing community of enthusiasts is now preparing for intense competition as local qualifiers determine who will represent the province at the national level.
Regina Hosts First Major Qualifier Event
Tyrel Wilgosh, founder of SaskCatan established in February 2025, is organizing the first Regina-based national qualifier this Saturday at the Escape Club on Dewdney Avenue. Dozens of competitive players are expected to participate in this strategic showdown, with the tournament winner earning a coveted spot at the Canadian national championship scheduled for August 2026.
"I didn't think it would grow this much," Wilgosh admitted, reflecting on the rapid expansion of Saskatchewan's Catan scene. "And it's quite frankly amazing that these tournaments are as big as they are." To accommodate increasing demand, Wilgosh has been hosting more frequent events throughout the province.
Multiple Saskatchewan Representatives Headed to Nationals
The Saskatchewan Catan community, whose members often refer to themselves as "settlers," is poised to send four representatives to this year's national championship. Regina's Emmanuel Vela secured his position by winning the Saskatoon qualifier in October 2025, while James Kwasnicki claimed victory in Moose Jaw. The remaining two slots will be determined through upcoming tournaments in Regina and Saskatoon.
The Canadian national champion will advance to the 2027 Catan world championship, where they will defend Canada's 2025 victory on the global stage. The strategic depth of Catan, which involves resource trading, settlement building, and careful planning across hexagonal terrain, has contributed to its enduring appeal since its 1995 release.
Strategic Gameplay and Community Building
Wilgosh particularly appreciates the strategic challenge Catan presents from the initial setup phase, when hexagonal tiles are arranged and resource cards distributed. "I enjoy the challenge of determining what strategy will help me win 10 victory points the quickest," he explained. "It's different than other board games that might rely more on luck."
Interestingly, Wilgosh's journey into building Saskatchewan's Catan community began because his own friends and family showed limited interest in playing. What started as fortnightly casual games in Saskatoon has evolved into a thriving network of regional tournaments and regular gatherings.
"The friendships I created in the last year and just the connections in the last year make it all worth it," Wilgosh emphasized, highlighting the social benefits that have accompanied the competitive growth.
Upcoming Tournament Schedule
The Regina qualifier represents just one of several opportunities for Saskatchewan players to compete at higher levels:
- Regina qualifier at Escape Club on Dewdney Avenue (this Saturday)
- Saskatoon qualifier at High Key Brewing on May 16
- Canadian national championship in August 2026
- World championship in 2027
As the Catan community continues to expand across Saskatchewan, these tournaments provide both competitive opportunities and social connections for players who share a passion for strategic board gaming. The growth has exceeded even the founder's expectations, creating a vibrant subculture of settlers competing for provincial, national, and ultimately world recognition.
