2025–2026 Tournament Dates and New Naming System
We are pleased to release the complete 2025–2026 tournament calendar, including both synchronous and asynchronous events. This year brings more than just new dates; it marks the debut of a new tournament naming system designed to improve clarity and minimize confusion for teams across the country.
A Necessary Change
As NOF expanded its offerings to include both synchronous and asynchronous events, it became clear that having similar names across formats—such as Maple Sync and Maple Async—could lead to confusion. Anticipating this potential issue and recognizing the importance of clear tournament branding, NOF has introduced a more intuitive naming system that makes each tournament easy to distinguish.
A New Era of Unique Naming
Going forward, every NOF tournament will have its own distinct name; no duplicates across formats, no overlap. Synchronous events will now feature jewel-themed names, while asynchronous events will continue with seasonal and natural motifs. Our new weekly SPAR series will be named after the day of the week on which it takes place. This approach keeps things fun and thematic without compromising clarity.
2025–2026 Synchronous Tournament Calendar
NATIONAL ONLINE FORENSICS
August 16, 2025 — Summer Royale
September 20, 2025 — Sapphire Invitational
October 18, 2025 — Pearl Invitational
November 15, 2025 — Topaz Invitational
December 20, 2025 — Ruby Invitational
January 17, 2026 — Onyx Invitational
February 21, 2026 — Amethyst Invitational
March 21, 2026 — Emerald Invitational
March 27–29, 2026 — College Championships
April 18, 2026 — Diamond Invitational
June 1–7, 2026 — HS/MS/ES Championships
2025–2026 Asynchronous Tournament Calendar
NATIONAL ONLINE FORENSICS
August 18, 2025 — Summer Royale Async
September 22, 2025 — Birch Async
October 20, 2025 — Oak Async
November 17, 2025 — Elm Async
December 22, 2025 — Pine Async
January 19, 2026 — Palm Async
February 23, 2026 — Cherry Async
March 23, 2026 — Walnut Async
March 30, 2026 — College Async Champs
April 20, 2026 — Maple Async
June 8, 2026 — HS/MS/ES Async Champs
2025 Weekly SPAR Tournament Calendar
NATIONAL ONLINE FORENSICS
September 1, 8, 15, 22 — Monday Cup
October 7, 14, 21, 28 — Tuesday Cup
November 5, 12, 19, 26 — Wednesday Cup
2025–2026 National Championship Tournament Calendar
NATIONAL ONLINE FORENSICS
March 7–8, 2026 — Novice Nationals
March 27–29, 2026 — College Championships
March 30, 2026 — College Async Champs
June 1–7, 2026 — HS/MS/ES Championships
June 8, 2026 — HS/MS/ES Async Champs
The date for the 2025–2026 Internationals tournament will be set after gathering input from participants in this year's event to better identify a schedule that works well for all involved.
This updated system helps streamline registration, eliminate mix-ups, and provide a better experience for everyone involved. NOF will continue to offer high-quality, student-focused competitive opportunities throughout the academic year.