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First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.
*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*
*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*
*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*
*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*
1557 US-9
Wappingers Falls, New York 12590
We had a party for my son (11 years old)?the party host ?Joe? did a great job!!! The space was great. The equipment was awesome. The gaming chairs were so comfy. Thank you for a great experience!!!
We had an amazing time at Contender e-sports. My son and his friends thoroughly enjoyed their time and the hostess was amazing!! She did everything and did it perfectly. Thank you for providing a safe space for our kids to come and enjoy themselves and celebrate.
We had my sons 7th birthday party today and he had the time of his life, his party host was so enthusiastic and attentive to the children, he took all the stress off my plate. We will definitely be doing more birthday parties there! They even gave him birthday wishes on their social media platforms and you don't see that anywhere else!
Last minute birthday party for my 7 year old son was perfect. I didn't need to bring anything. My host was amazing she assisted each child on the game and she was very helpful with keeping my 1year old son busy. The children and the parents also had a wonderful time thank you for everything.
Great place to have a birthday party for a gamer! We celebrated my son?s birthday and everything was perfect! The host was amazing, helped all the kids, and was very friendly. Highly recommend!
Today I visited the Contender with my son and his two cousins. We are first timers. We were greeted by the nicest guy of how the gaming center works. The staff was super patience and very helpful. The place was immaculate, the kids had a blast. We will definitely be back! Thank you!
We took our Boy Scout Troop here for the game design merit badge. From booking the session to the end of the design it was a great experience. The staff are awesome. Thank you.
Let me start off by saying?? Im sorry for forgetting the young ladies? name who assisted with the party. Everything was amazing, I did not have to left a finger. From getting kids set up to ordering pizza, to cutting the cake. Everything was taken care of. I would highly recommend.
The party host was very attentive to all of the kids needs. It was clean and all of the computers were in working order. Birthday party
Contender is a great spot. It's a really cool space, and the people who work there are really friendly and helpful. Highly recommended!
Had my sons birthday party there , staff was so friendly , our party host never left and was very helpful and nice to everyone!! Place was clean and a lot of games the kids enjoyed! I would definitely recommend this place !!
This place is so amazing, I'm here with my son for one of his classmates birthday party and they are having a blast ?? plus the staff is so wonderful and friendly ??
We had a wonderful birthday party for our son at Contender E Sports. The party host Joe was extremely attentive and helpful to all of the children there. They provided anything and everything we needed; down to decorations, plates, napkins, flatware, candles, a cake knife, and even a lighter to light the candles. We had a wonderful time and our son had the best party ever!
We had my son?s 8th birthday party here this past weekend, and a great time was had by all! They cover all bases, the only thing we needed to provide was the cake, everything else was taken care of. The tech specialists double as servers - it's amazing that each child was given plenty of attention/assistance and pizza/cake was served with perfect timing. They worked so hard and had so much patience for nearly 30 kids! My family and I wholeheartedly recommend! ??
I had my first birthday party here and it was a blast! We Has Pizza And Cake and all of my friends show up and it is a great place for kids to have a birthday party!
I recently visited Contender Sports and had the pleasure of interacting with Chris. His knowledge of games and enthusiasm for helping customers made my experience truly enjoyable. He provided excellent recommendations tailored to my interests and were patient in answering all my questions. His friendly demeanor and willingness to go the extra mile left a lasting impression on me. I'll definitely be returning to Contender Sports. , thanks to the outstanding service provided by Chris. Highly recommended!
My son and his friends had a BLAST celebrating his birthday at Contender eSports this past weekend. We overheard one of kids state, "This is the best day ever"!! It truly was so much fun and a big thank you to the staff for being so attentive to our party!
We had our son?s 8th birthday party here last week and it was a hit! All the kiddos had a great time and even the parents commented how an awesome time they had playing classic and newest games. Our hostess, Isabella was great and patient. She was kind and helpful. We look forward to coming back for some of the events.
I had my 8 yr old son's birthday party here. Our party hosts were exceptional! So polite, helpful, interacted great with both the children and adults who were hanging out waiting for the kids. Gave us options of when to serve pizza and cupcakes and even jumped in to play some Mario cart with a younger guest who didn't have anyone to play with her. I am extremely happy with my choice of using Contender Esports for our party.
Had my sons 12th birthday party here. Woody the party host was amazing. All the kids had a wonderful time, with several asking their parents for a party there. Will definitely come back.
We had a great experience, the kids had a lot of fun being able to play video games. Isabella our host was amazing! She has so much patience and was very knowledgeable and helpful to everyone.
What an amazing birthday party experience! Contender E Sports took care of everything?the decorations, the food, the drinks and somehow kept 18 kids happily playing video games for 3 hours! The staff was Amazing- they help the kids get into the games they love and help to get them playing on the same servers. Overall a top notch party experience! Would recommend this place to anyone with boys looking for a new birthday experience!
Amazing! My son had a great time at his bday party. Staff was exceptional. Highly recommend booking a party at Contender eSports
My son had his 10th birthday party there and had a great time. Everyone was very nice and Isabella was very helpful during the party helping out the kids. The only request would be to have a little extra seating for the adults to chat while the kids are playing but we made it work. Great place for a gaming party!
Thank you for wonderful time had by all at Abigail?s Birthday Party! We highly recommend Contender eSports to have a party or just to visit for some gaming fun! Thank you again!
Everyone at eSports is amazing always, however this party we had for my son with over 20 kids was phenomenal!! They were attentive, caring and accommodating! We ran into a last minute issue due to my sons baseball tournament being moved and they worked with me to find a better time and date. Not once did they make me feel bad! THANK you to all of you for making my boy have the best party ever. He says he will never forget this birthday party (Age 10)
Had a birthday party for my 11yr old here and it was unique and fun and soooo easy! From booking to cleanup, they do everything! We simply brought a cake. Contender eSports supplied a decorated room, pizza, paper goods, and even candles and the cake knife! We had a hostess to help guide the party named Isabella and she was so friendly and helpful! She helped all the kids as needed on the gaming systems and served the pizza and cake! The kids came from a place called Giancarlo's, which was also fantastic! Hi
We went for a young child birthday party. Alot of fun for all the children to be able to play whatever they want and use other consoles as well. Alot of freedom which was great for the age group!
Contender esports is a great place for tweens. My son joined the esports team at his middle school and was able to practice once a week and compete once a week at contender and he loved it so much he decided to throw his 12th birthday party there. Easiest party ever! The kids all had a great time and the parents did not have to do a single thing. The boys were fully occupied for the whole party, laughing the entire time. Highly recommend!
Contender eSports was amazing! We hosted our son?s birthday and they made party planning effortless. The staff was responsive and thoughtful. They offered help to our guests and cleaned up through the event. The store is a ?gamers? dream! Plenty of screens, remotes and comfy chairs for the kids to play their favorite games. Thank you for making our day so special!
We had our sons 13th birthday party last week. They take care of everything from plates, napkins, decor and food. They give you a party host who makes sure the kids get food, drinks and serves them cake. They also make sure the kids get connected to the game they want to play. It truly was the easiest birthday party we have ever had and the kids had a blast!!
This place is amazing. Literally all I had to do was bring the cupcakes and that's it. My son had a great time and so did his friends. I definitely recommend your next birthday party here!
What a great group of folks! From the introduction the staff and management were warm and welcoming. My son's party went off without incident. Walking into the party room, cards showed the computers were sanitized and ready. The area was clean. They assign a person to your group. Joe was our guy. Joe was quick to assist my son and his friends. Joe had them playing not only the games they wanted to play, but also had then multiplaying games together. I was not sure what to expect from a gaming party, but it
Had a great time at Contender ESports today with my 2 boys for a 7 year old birthday party. The host Isabella did a fantastic job catering to guests of the party and keeping the hosts happy. Also the manager (sorry for not getting his name) was very helpful! It would be great if they opened another one in Middletown! Looking forward to going back because it's worth the trip!
I've been coming to Contender on-and-off for about a year now for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournaments, and the staff has been nothing but friendly and patient to me, the Tournament Organizers are super chill and willing to help the players, and it's overall a great place. I mean hell, the fact that they can tolerate me on days where my mental has me beat speaks volumes about this business. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to celebrate a birthday with friends or if they want to join in on any co
We sent my brother here for summer camp and he had a blast!! Carli went above and beyond to make sure he (as well as the other kids) had a great time. My little brother couldn't stop raving about the summer camp, as well as the incredible staff. Carli and her team are doing a great job!
I've been coming to Contenders for a while now for their weekly Super Smash Bros Ultimate tournaments and every time I go there it's always a good experience. Everyone there is super friendly and motivates each other to get better which is so nice to see in a small community. I've made so many friends through this place and without them, competition wouldn't be the same. If you wanna compete and meet a bunch of friendly people then this is the place to go.
If you are into video games then this is the place for you . They have bunch of games for a casual player and a hard core gamer. They also have competition and have gamers compete for a good cause . They also have public schools attend as a club and it really is a breath of fresh air. It's so good for kids who love video games to join a club that this place can offer. As a E Sports coach my self, I have gotten nothing but positive feedback back from parents and students on how much they enjoy this cl
This place is amazing! I had my 8 year old?s party there with 20 kids absolutely amazing people run this place! The staff went above and beyond to make sure The party ran smoothly and amazing! Each and every kid walked out happy ?? birthday boy was super happy ?? I would highly recommend this place for an awesome birthday party!!
The service was awesome. Bathrooms are very clean. The facility is amazing. I'll recommend it to anyone. Affordable as well. Isabel was a great host. I didn't have to lift a finger she set it up.
What a great and easy party experience! The staff were so helpful but also not hovering. They birthday decor was perfect and the place was so clean! The kids had a great time!
I've been coming here since last Fall and it has been a home away from home. I specifically go to attend the weekly Super Smash Bros tournaments on Mondays. I've found a good community with great people that inspire me to get better at this game. I don't need to win it all to have a good time! Everyone is also willing to help me improve in my gameplay and play casual matches. I'm grateful for the staff and the friends I've made along the way! I haven't attended events for the other games but I know that the
Amazing place with amazing owners and workers. They really connect with the customers and offer the latest in technology for gaming plus classes to help your learn more about things like Minecraft. Very family friendly and everything is constantly cleaned and sanitized. Would highly recommend it for all ages!
My son had his 13th bday party there. It was fantastic. The staff was very helpful & the kids had a great time. Thank you.
I come from an hour away on mondays to the tournaments and every single time it's worth it. The staff is amazing and friendly, the people you meet that are there to compete are friendly and willing to teach new people as well. Some of my closest friends come from the strong and close community that was built up in midhudson. I can't recommend coming out enough
Highly recommend! Had a birthday party for 10 kids in the private room. Super cool, clean and high tech. They took care of everything and the staff was awesome.
Had my boys? birthday party there in May. Everything from the decorations to the extremely helpful staff (Isabella was amazing!) was beyond anything I expected. Highly recommend!
My son celebrated his 9th birthday at Contender E Sports .. true to the gaming community everyone at Contender was kind, patient and friendly The facility was spotless and everything was sanitized. My son and his friends had a blast and we are sure too return
Had a great time at contender ! Recommend for any birthday parties. Owners so nice and helpful. Made it a birthday to remember my son had a fantastic time and is already planning his next bday!!!
Had my sons bday party here and it was amazing. So happy we decided to go here for his party. The kids had an amazing time. Everything was handled perfectly by the company. 10 out of 10 for everything.
My son had a great birthday party. Isabella was wonderful with the kids and kept everything tidy and moving along. Definitely recommend!!!
We had my daughter?s birthday party here yesterday. We had a great time. Our host Isabella was great. We'll definitely be going back.
Today our kindergarten classes went on a wonderful field trip to Contender Esports Gaming Center in Wappingers Falls, NY. This outing proved to be an incredibly engaging and educational experience for the children, thanks to the incorporation of S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities throughout the day. From the moment we arrived, the staff at Contender Esports demonstrated their exceptional professionalism and dedication to providing an enriching experience for the students. The
My kid had their birthday here and like above and beyond with the service. My boyfriend likes coming here for weekly smash and the kid and their friends like coming back to play games. Excited to try their summer camps!
My 7 year-old had his birthday here. He, and a few of his friends, said it was the best birthday ever. Great time, excellent service. Thanks!
The gaming center is opened late night! with an amazing atmosphere, and top notch gear. The interior design is very high-tech and each PC is there to support playing games you dreamed of. There is party rooms as well where you can celebrate, play and share your quality time with your friends or family. I highly recommend Contender Esports Gaming Center to all of you!
Very nice staff and the pricing is great. So many weekly and monthly events and tournaments for different games. The midnight close and 2am closes are chef kiss, and there's a 9pm-close pass that's perfect for those like me who work late-nights! All-in-all friendly and clean environment and I'm exited to see what else comes from this place c:
Contender esports Hudson valley is a great place with amazing staff. My little brother and I love to go there and spend time playing together some games we may not have at home. Highly recommend for anyone thinking about going it's a blast!
We recently had a Ronald McDonald House gaming tournament at Contender Esports and they were amazing hosts for our event! Deanna and the whole staff went above and beyond to ensure our participants enjoyed their gaming experience and that our fundraiser was successful. Everyone involved had a great day - I would highly recommend Contender Esports!
I can't speak for their party experience like the other reviewers, but I can say that their Super Smash Brothers video game tournaments are probably one of the skeeviest encounters you're ever going to have. Ignoring the likely illegal nature of their $5 cash-only entry fee winner-take-all gambling setup, these are probably some of the most unsociable people around. I was banned for "talking to minors". That's how bad it is amongst a bunch of overweight, balding, bespectacled men who are so insular that the
My 12 year old and 9 year old attended the Minecraft camp here and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The staff were warm and inviting, we will definitely be back.
Had a great birthday party here for my 11yr old. All the kids loved it! I can't say enough nice things about the staff and the owners.
Such a fun place! Everyone is super nice and cool. Will definitely come again. I highly recommend this gaming complex if you're looking for a fun, cool place to game with family and friends. In a nice friendly environment 5stars ??
Had a wonderful birthday party for our son. His friends and their families had a great time. The staff was wonderful and so helpful!!
Incredible experience for our eSports team. The league has brought a mix of kids and districts that would not usually come together. Our second season and the enthusiasm is only growing.Thanks for putting this together!
It was a great party. Isabella was amazing and attentive to all the kids. They had a great time and will def be back.
Amazing!!! My esports team absolutely loves coming here! It's a great way for them to get face to face competition and brings about a whole new atmosphere to gaming. The staff is amazing and is always there to help my team with whatever they need. They are very knowledgeable and their enthusiasm towards esports and gaming really helps create a positive and fun environment!!! Would highly recommend!!!
Great place to go play games! Place is clean, bathrooms are clean, and staff is friendly. I would highly recommend this place!
My school has esports practice and tournaments here and it's the coolest place ever. All the gaming stuff you can think of is there. The staff there are also very nice people. If you are someone you know likes video games. Like scorpion says. Get over here!
Had my son's 8th birthday party here and everyone had a great time! This is the second we had a birthday here.
An incredible experience! Such a kind staff and management team, they really value connection with customers and it shows. The facility itself was clean and welcoming to all.
Went to a birthday party for my son who was turning 9. What a great place. Clean and colorful. Perfect spot for boys who game.
What an absolutely FUN place. Please consider Contender eSports for your next birthday party, charity event, or even just a place to hang out! And if you are interested in watching competitive esport competitions, follow their livestream on TWITCH! They do such a great job and the staff couldn't be more pleasant. Deanna is the best :)
this place is hands down my favorite place to be any given day. the staff are extremely friendly and help make for a welcoming environment for anyone who is a fan of all kinds of gaming, but i myself am a big fan of the smash bros tournaments :)
Isabella was the best birthday host ever!! Thank you contender eSports for a Deven's great 11th birthday party.
Location was clean, staff was helpful, kids had the best time. We will definitely be back
My 2 boys were invited for a birthday party and they had an amazing time.
Contender Esports Hudson Valley will be remembered as the point where it all began. They have taken on the challenge of bringing in a new, growing and fast paced environment and are very successful. Promote, support and empower them as much as you can. They will be taking on Esports on all levels to boost the community and the experiences of the people of the Hudson Valley.
Great camp experience! Our son really enjoyed his two weeks. thank you!
This place is awesome! The staff is nice and helpful, and there's so many games to play! Can't wait to come back!
Amazing experience with staff that is hospitable, knowledgeable and helpful. That all makes for both a great competitive & casual experience, and I'll be visiting a bunch more in the future.
Very clean facility. Staff very helpful and always has smiling and wanting to interact with guest. Huuuuge range of games to play.
Great place for a party! Staff were so helpful and ran the party so smoothly - great decorations!
If you haven't been to, you're missing out! Had a great time, place is spotless and the staff was amazing! Thank you!
The manager Kris is always a joy to talk to. He always makes it a fun and joyous experience.
Kids had fun with friends and family. We were invited for a birthday party.
We had the best time here ! It's clean , staff was helpful and just a great place to go! I highly recommend it!!!
My son enjoyed playing and the freedom of choosing and trialing a bunch of different games.
It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.
Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.
Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.
Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.
Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.
Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.
Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.
No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”