Heartland Duels III

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Event Overview

The proving grounds of the nation! Heartland Duels returns to Omaha for an elite tournament dedicated entirely to the precision, stamina, and tactical mastery of 1v1 armored combat. Hosted by the Omaha Hell Hounds and sponsored by Medieval Combat USA (MC USA), this officially sanctioned Buhurt International (BI) tournament has been selected as the official National Qualifier for MC USA to determine which duelists and outrance fighters will represent Team USA at the Buhurt International World Championship (BIWC) in Italy in May 2027.

Stripping away the mass group melees, Heartland Duels provides a comfortable, exceptionally organized competitive arena where the top athletes in the country can battle for international roster slots. With multiple lists running simultaneously, the event is tailored for smooth, rapid-fire action and world-class martial performance.

Date & Location

• Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026

• Location: Fowling Warehouse Omaha

• Address: 13730 FNB Pkwy, Omaha, NE 68154

Spectator Info

Experience the highest level of technical steel fencing in the United States as fighters battle for their spot on Team USA.

• Admission: Open to the general public! Grab a beverage, explore the venue, and secure a front-row view right along the list railing.

• Event Updates: Track athlete announcements, flight brackets, and schedule releases via the Omaha Hell Hounds community channels and event page updates.

National Qualifier Criteria & Fighter Registration

Because this event serves as the official Team USA selection tournament for the 2027 World Championship in Italy, strict qualification criteria and roster limits apply.

• Official BI Registration Link: https://www.buhurtinternational.com/tournament/-heartland-duels-iii

• Registration Window: Opens September 18, 2026, and strictly closes November 1, 2026.

• Fighter Entry Fee: $25 per slot (100% of fees go directly toward compensating marshals, scorekeepers, and technical support staff running multiple lists).

• Bracket Caps & Selection: Only the top 8 duelists and outrance fighters per category will be admitted, seeded according to official BI rankings.

• Category Quorum Requirement: A minimum of three competitors must take the field in a given category for that division to qualify a representative to BIWC in Italy. If fewer than three competitors compete, that category will not be sent to the World Championship.

• Eligibility Requirements (Per the National Qualifiers Policy): • Athletes must have officially submitted the MC USA Nationals Intent to Compete form.

• Athletes must possess a valid passport for travel to Italy.

• Athletes must have at least three official BI or MC USA sanctioned events completed during the 2026 competition year (competing at Heartland Duels counts as your third qualifying event).

• Disciplines Offered: All four primary technical weapon categories (Longsword, Sword & Shield, Sword & Buckler, Polearm) as well as Outrance (pro-fights) across both Men's and Women's divisions.

• Regulations: Complete MC USA and Buhurt International rules apply. Mandatory safety gear checks, weapon specifications, and armor authenticity reviews will take place on-site prior to list calls.

Venue, Weather, & Travel Logistics

• The Venue: Hosted inside Fowling Warehouse Omaha, a massive indoor entertainment venue. It features a fully climate-controlled sports area, excellent spectator sightlines, comfortable fighter staging zones, modern restrooms, and a spacious double-sided bar serving craft beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks.

• Average November Weather: Late autumn in eastern Nebraska is cold, with daytime highs around 46°F to 50°F and crisp winds. Because the entire tournament is held inside the climate-controlled facility, competitors stay warm and perform in peak condition regardless of outdoor temperatures.

• Nearby Lodging: • Hampton Inn Omaha/West Dodge Road (Located minutes from the venue along the US-6 corridor, providing convenient access for teams)

• Home2 Suites by Hilton Omaha West (An excellent option featuring spacious suite layouts with extra room for armor trunks and gear bags)

• Airports & Driving: Out-of-state fighters can fly into Eppley Airfield (OMA), which is an easy 25-minute drive west to the venue.

About The Hosts: Omaha Hell Hounds

The Omaha Hell Hounds are eastern Nebraska's premier full-contact armored combat club, competing nationally and internationally in Buhurt across group melees, technical duels, and 1v1 pro-fights. Committed to athletic excellence, community safety, and advancing the sport across the Midwest, the club maintains an active competitive schedule and continuous recruitment for new athletes and support staff.

• Practices: Mondays from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

• Club Website: https://www.omahahellhounds.com