Any firearm connoisseur is likely to have heard of the Tactical Games. Blending the aggressive, functional fitness demands of Crossfit with the focus and skillset of experienced shooters, the Tactical Games consist of many physical challenges and obstacles. With nine different divisions, competitors from all backgrounds can compete to test their tactical skills. This year the Tactical Games National Championship was held in Florence, Texas from November 4 through November 6, and Jacob Heppner walked away as the grand champion. Heppner is unique in wearing more than one hat; he served as both coach and competitor.
Every battle in the competition is graded on a 100-point scale, and this continuity is to avoid giving one battle a heftier weight than another battle. Once the battles are complete, all scores are tallied, and with a little math, a final percentage ranks each competitor. Heppner finished the weekend with a total of 1,113 points- 17 points ahead of 2nd overall.
Heppner experienced a comeback this season after landing 2nd overall in the 2021 National Championship. Alongside experienced vets like Cody Anderson and Jared Stevens, Heppner’s win is a huge feat in the Men’s Elite division. Between coaching and competing, Jacob Heppner kicked off his November with a bang.
A veteran of the CrossFit Games, Heppner was a fan-favorite during his five years of competition. Once he retired from CrossFit, he opened his own gym and launched a fitness program called GRIT. With a background in college football, Hepper was made an athlete and clearly a strong competitor in the Tactical Games. His first place title in this year’s National Championship should come as no surprise.
The Tactical Games consist of regional events throughout the year, with the next occurring February 18 - 19. Other events, such as in-person and virtual training, as well as sniper challenges, are scattered throughout the year.
Visit the Tactical Game’s website to learn more about the competition, and follow Jacob Heppner on social media to keep up with his competition status and business.
