The Free Library is excited to announce our first-ever FLoP (Free Library of Philadelphia) Bowl, a free esports tournament for teens aged 12–18 hosted at ten local library branches throughout the city, created in partnership with Nerd Street’s Localhost.

This year, teens will compete in a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament on the Nintendo Switch, with games running weekly from September 22 to December 8, 2025. Teams will meet weekly in person at their library branch to compete virtually against other teams from other Free Library branches. They will also have the opportunity to compete live on stage at Localhost’s Center City facility for the tournament’s Midway Madness and Grand Finals events.

We’re looking for teens with a love for gaming who want to dip their toes into going pro! Those interested should go in person to their local participating Free Library branch to sign up by Monday, September 15, 2025. Please note that participation is through in-person registration only. This is not a drop-in program. Further details are included below!

How To Sign Up:

Teens aged 12–18 who live in Philadelphia may sign up for a team in person at any of the following Free Library locations:

• Field Teen Center, Parkway Central Library
• Philadelphia City Institute Library
• Lillian Marrero Library
• Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library
• South Philadelphia Library
• Kingsessing Library
• Lovett Memorial Library
• Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library
• Fox Chase Library
• Tacony Library

We are hoping to expand to other branches in the future, so stay tuned for next year!

Registration is in person only. Please bring your library card or a student ID to present to Library staff. You do not need an adult with you to sign up, but you will need to be able to provide a parent or guardian’s contact information. 

Participation is free. There is no entry fee for the tournament, and all gaming equipment is provided. Teens who do participate will have to provide their own transportation to and from Localhost (401 N. Broad St.) for the Midway Madness and Grand Finals events.

Space is limited. There will be up to three teams of six teens each per branch, and slots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign-ups end on Monday, September 15, 2025. If one branch has more interest than they are able to accommodate, they will keep a waitlist.

How the Tournament Works:

Teams will compete in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate 3v3 crew battles using Localhost’s Youth League Smash Rulebook.

Games will be held weekly after school on these dates and times:

• Mondays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
  • Lillain Marrero Library
  • Kingsessing Library
  • Fox Chase Library
  • Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library
  • Lovett Memorial Library
• Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
  • Philadelphia City Institute Library
  • Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional
  • South Philadelphia Library
  • Field Teen Center, Parkway Central Library
  • Tacony Library

There will be two in-person LAN events at Localhost for participants: Midway Madness on Saturday, November 1, 2025, and the Grand Finals on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Teens must be able to arrange transportation to and from these events themselves, located at 401 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, 19108.

Teens must commit to attending games in person weekly from September 22 to December 8, 2025, to participate. There will be no games the week of Thanksgiving.

The winning team will get a custom-made trophy, as well as Free Library swag and gift cards.

Please contact teencenter@freelibrary.org with any additional questions.