BlazeCon

Diplomacy Tournament Details

January 17–18, 2026
Courtyard Marriott – Harbor East, Baltimore, MD
Registration Fee: $60
Payment Link

Room Block: $129/night – https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1750442731182&key=GRP&app=resvlink

What is Blazecon?

Blazecon is an in-person Diplomacy tournament held in Baltimore’s Harbor East neighborhood. It’s a two-day event focused on competitive, structured gameplay in a relaxed and social setting.

The tournament is open to all experience levels—from first-time players to long-time hobbyists. If you’re interested in playing Diplomacy face-to-face, meeting other players, and getting a few quality games in over a weekend, Blazecon is for you.


Schedule

Friday, January 16 (Pre-Event Hangout – optional)

  • Group Dinner in Little Italy!

Saturday, January 17th

  • Round 1: 9:00 AM
  • Lunch Break: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
  • Round 2: 5:30 PM

Sunday, January 18th

  • Round 3: 8:00 AM
  • Awards immediately following conclusion of last game

Format & Rules

  • Classic Diplomacy (1971 map)
  • Center-based scoring system
  • All games end in Fall 1909
  • Prizes, bragging rights, and honorary Baltimore titles included
  • NADF CoC Enforced

Venue Details

Courtyard Marriott – Baltimore Harbor East
1000 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Modern rooms, steps from the Inner Harbor, with food, shopping, and scenic views all around. Room block rates $129/night

https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1750442731182&key=GRP&app=resvlink

Food, Drinks & Fun

You’ll be surrounded by some of the best eats in Baltimore. We’ll provide a local guide for restaurants, pubs, and late-night crab cake cravings. Optional group dinner in Little Italy on Friday night.


Travel & Parking

  • 15 mins from BWI Airport
  • 10 mins from Baltimore Penn Station
  • Local transit & rideshare friendly
  • Parking info coming soon

What Makes BlazeCon Different?

Blazecon keeps things moving—with a twist. All tournament rounds are capped at Game Year 1909, which means every game ends on time and players aren’t stuck in endless endgames. This not only keeps the pace brisk and strategic but also ensures there’s time to socialize, grab a good meal, and come back refreshed.

In fact, we break for lunch between rounds—on purpose. We want players to have time to relax, explore the Harbor East food scene, and chat about their favorite stabs without rushing. It’s a tournament, yes—but it’s also a weekend hangout with fellow Diplomacy fans. You’ll get your fill of great games and still have time to enjoy the city (and maybe even forgive that one player who convoyed your army to its doom).

Maryland has always been a place of high-stakes politics and shifting alliances. From the colonial power plays between Catholics and Protestants to the state’s strategic tightrope walk during the Civil War, backroom deals and unexpected turns have shaped our history. What better place to channel the spirit of bold moves and backstabbing negotiations than right here in Baltimore—where scheming has been a local tradition for centuries?