Our Story
2009
The NOVA Open began with 32 gamers gathering for an outdoor Warhammer 40,000 event beneath a shady canopy of trees. Four rounds of battle were played, armies were crushed, food was shared… and the spark of a new adventure was born.
2010
The first official NOVA Open brought 114 players to Chantilly, VA, testing their skills, making new friends, and proving the idea had real potential. Positive feedback and lessons learned set the stage for a bigger, bolder event the next year.
2011
In 2011, NOVA Open moved to the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. Over 400 attendees joined games and tournaments during the 3-day event, while the HURRIQUAKE of 2011—a rare DC earthquake combined with Hurricane Irene—hit the area. The strong turnout led organizers to redouble their efforts.
2017
By 2017, NOVA Open had grown into a full convention with over 2,100 attendees. Tournaments, seminars, and the Capital Palette Miniature Art Competition thrived, while charity, camaraderie, and fun remained central.
2022
After COVID-19, NOVA Open returned bigger than ever, expanding its venues with the addition of the Renaissance Hotel and going on to host its largest event to date, marking a major milestone in the convention’s continued growth.
2023
We returned under one roof at the Washington Hilton in DC, bringing all events together and continuing to grow year after year, improving the experience and welcoming gamers of all kinds from near and far.
