SoCal Swordfight is North America’s premier Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) festival, bringing together competitors, instructors, and enthusiasts from around the globe for three days of competition, education, and cultural exchange.
March 20-22, 2026
Sheraton Fairplex, Pomona, California
World’s Largest HEMA Event
Attendees
Countires Represented
Competitive Tournaments
Instructors
Class Hours
Vendors
Cultural Significance
SoCal Swordfight preserves and celebrates martial traditions from Europe, Persia, Africa, the Philippines, Apache culture, and beyond. It’s not just competition—it’s living history and cross-cultural exchange.
Elite Competition
The largest competitive HEMA event in the world attracts top-ranked fighters from 20+ countries. Expect world-class athleticism, strategy, and sportsmanship.
Educational Programming
80+ master instructors teach hands-on classes, lectures, and demonstrations covering centuries of martial arts knowledge. Content gold for educational media.
International Appeal
With participants from Europe, Asia, North America, and beyond, this event has global resonance for travel, sports, and culture coverage.
Growing Sport
HEMA is one of the fastest-growing martial arts disciplines worldwide. Covering it positions your audience at the forefront of an emerging movement.
Economic Impact & Tourism
With 1,200+ expected attendees traveling from across the country and around the world, SoCal Swordfight generates significant economic benefit to Pomona and the broader region.
SoCal Swordfight 2026
We’re looking for media partners who want to bring martial arts, history, and culture to their audiences. Whether you’re a podcast, YouTube channel, blogger, magazine, or traditional press, we have opportunities for collaboration.
For YouTubers, Podcasters, TikTokers, Instagrammers
What You Get:
What We Ask:
For Newspapers, Magazines, Online Publications, TV/Radio
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For Established Media Brands
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SOCAL SWORDFIGHT 2026
Not sure what angle to take? Here are proven story frameworks:
🎬 COMPETITION & SPORTS
🏛️ HISTORY & CULTURE
👥 HUMAN INTEREST
🎓 EDUCATIONAL
🌍 TRAVEL & DESTINATION
SoCal Swordfight 2026
Download Full Kit - Includes logos, photos, fact sheet, schedule
Understanding who attends helps you craft the right story:
This area chart shows SoCal Swordfight’s rapid attendance growth, with total attendance increasing over 350% since 2015. The event attracts more competitors, participants, and attendees every year, reflecting its role as the world’s leading HEMA tournament and expo.
While SoCal Swordfight attendance is predominantly male (68% in recent years), we’re seeing steady growth in female participation, driving diversity and broadening the event’s appeal for all sponsors and partners.
This chart illustrates the age breakdown of our attendees. A majority are between 18 and 40 years old, representing a vibrant and active segment with significant purchasing power and long-term engagement in HEMA. The event also attracts participants from U18 through 60+, making it appealing for brands and partners targeting youth, adults, and mature enthusiasts alike.
With hundreds of competitors across disciplines like longsword, saber, rapier, and more, SoCal Swordfight offers unique opportunities for bracket, category, or weapon-specific sponsorships—putting your brand front and center for every audience segment.
Beyond onsite engagement, SoCal Swordfight reaches thousands globally through digital channels. Our community includes 2,800 email subscribers, 1,900 Facebook followers, 1,570 on Instagram, plus an expanding TikTok and YouTube audience—giving your brand digital exposure far beyond the venue.
SOCAL SWORDFIGHT 2026
Press credentials grant you full access to the event for coverage purposes, including tournaments, classes, vendor hall, and press-only areas. You’ll receive a press badge, schedule, and press kit.
Yes! Media partners have full filming and photography rights. We only ask that you credit SoCal Swordfight and share content with us for promotional use.
No. Legitimate media credentials are complimentary. We do ask that you provide coverage in return.
We accept applications on a rolling basis. Apply by March 6, 2026 for guaranteed approval. Late applications considered based on availability.
Yes. Please indicate how many credentials you need in your application. Teams of 2-3 are typically approved.
Absolutely. We can coordinate interviews with event organizers, instructors, and competitors. Request specific interviews in your application.
We welcome creators of all sizes! We care more about quality content and audience fit than follower count.
Yes. You retain all rights to your content and can monetize however you wish.
SOCAL SWRODFIGHT 2026
Apply for Media Credentials (primary CTA button)
Tell us about your outlet and how you’d like to cover the event.
Download Media Kit (secondary button)
Get logos, photos, and fact sheets to start your coverage.
Contact Press Team (tertiary button)
Questions? Reach out directly.
