In the early 1980s, competitive gaming was born—and at its heart stood the U.S. National Video Game Team. In this episode, we explore how Walter Day and Twin Galaxies transformed arcade high scores into organized competition, bringing together the best players from across the country. We trace the team’s origins in Ottumwa, Iowa, its chaotic Electronic Circus debut, and its cross-country bus tour that turned gamers into early esports pioneers. Our conversation also follows how the team evolved into a structured organization, contributed to Guinness World Records, and helped launch Electronic Gaming Monthly. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of the U.S. National Video Game Team on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.
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A Trip Down Memory Card Lane