Kitchener Waterloo Wargaming Guild

The Gaming Tournament Making a Difference

Since its inception in 2016, Battle for Breath has been more than just a gaming tournament—it’s a platform for making a meaningful impact. Founded by Fraser Belfour with the aim of raising funds for Cystic Fibrosis Canada, Battle for Breath has evolved into a thriving community-driven initiative, bringing gamers together for a cause close to their hearts.

Fraser’s personal connection to Cystic Fibrosis Canada runs deep; his youngest was diagnosed with CF in 2009. Determined to make a difference and raise awareness, he launched the inaugural Battle for Breath tournament in 2016. Initially centered around the tabletop game Warmachine and Hordes, the event garnered significant attention and support, laying the foundation for something truly special.

In 2016 and 2017, Battle for Breath brought together enthusiasts for exhilarating one-day tournaments, fuelling both competition and compassion. As the event gained traction, Scotty Milne proposed an ambitious expansion in 2022. Building upon the success of previous years, the 2022 edition introduced two separate tournaments held simultaneously—a testament to the growing enthusiasm within the gaming community.

The addition of the fantasy football game Blood Bowl and the Marvel Superheroes game Marvel Crisis Protocol injected new energy into the event, attracting a diverse range of participants. The 2022 tournament was a resounding success, showcasing the power of gaming to unite people for a common cause.

Following the overwhelming response to the 2022 event, Battle for Breath made significant strides. The Blood Bowl tournament was expanded to span two days, allowing for the introduction of a third game tournament. This expansion not only broadened the scope of the event but also underscored its capacity to adapt and grow.

Since its relaunch in 2022, Battle for Breath has been instrumental in raising funds and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Through the generosity and passion of participants, sponsors, and supporters, the initiative has raised over $17,000, with every dollar directly benefiting CF Canada’s vital work.

Beyond the thrill of competition, Battle for Breath embodies the spirit of community, compassion, and camaraderie. It serves as a reminder that even in the realm of gaming, profound and lasting change can be achieved. As Battle for Breath continues to evolve and expand, its impact on the lives of those affected by cystic fibrosis grows ever greater, inspiring hope and unity in equal measure.

Past Events

• Battle for Breath 2026 – Can we raise $10k this year?
• Battle for Breath 2025 – We raise $7.7k
• Battle for Breath 2024 – $10,000 have been raised to date (including past events)
• Battle for Breath 2023
• … other pages to be added in the future (we’ll have to dig through old FB events and photos to publish from our archives)

Sponsors

We actively reach out to sponsors each year for prize support. If you’re interesting sponsoring the event please email us at organizers@kwwargamingguild.com