Did you know that the Tournament of Kings at Excalibur Hotel & Casino, which has served over 6.7 million Cornish game hens since its debut in June 1990, is the largest purchaser of these birds in the United States? For over three decades, this medieval-themed dinner show has transported audiences to a world of chivalry, valor, and hearty feasting, blending live jousting, dramatic storytelling, and a hands-on dining experience in a 900-seat arena. Performed in the King Arthur’s Arena at the Excalibur, Tournament of Kings is a high-energy spectacle that captivates families with children, groups seeking interactive dining, and anyone craving a unique Vegas adventure. With 17 horses, 36 cast and crew members, and a tale of good versus evil, the show delivers a thrilling escape into a bygone era. This article explores the artistry of its horsemanship, the immersive audience participation, and why this long-running production remains a family favorite in Las Vegas’s ever-evolving entertainment landscape.
A Journey Back in Time
Step into the Excalibur Hotel & Casino, a castle-themed fortress on the Las Vegas Strip, and you’re instantly whisked to the age of knights and kings. Since its opening in June 1990, Tournament of Kings has been a cornerstone of Vegas entertainment, earning its place as the third-longest-running show on the Strip by 2018, behind only Legends in Concert and Crazy Girls. Inspired by the tale of King Arthur, this live-action production, originally titled King Arthur’s Tournament, combines jousting, swordplay, and pyrotechnics in a 900-seat theater-in-the-round. Guests dine on a hearty meal without utensils, cheering for knights as they battle in a dirt-floored arena, complete with synthetic fibers for safer stunt falls. Running Thursday through Monday at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM, with special holiday performances like ‘Twas the Knight from November 27 to December 25, 2025, the show is a vibrant blend of medieval grandeur and modern fun.
The brainchild of Circus Circus Enterprises’ entertainment director Mike Hartzell, who drew inspiration from Medieval Times in Los Angeles, Tournament of Kings was crafted by producers Peter and Patrick Jackson to fit Excalibur’s medieval aesthetic. With over 10,000 performances and counting, it’s a testament to Las Vegas’s ability to merge history with spectacle, offering an experience that’s “guaranteed to satisfy your appetite for adventure,” as What’s On magazine declared. For families, groups, and thrill-seekers, this show is a time machine to an era of gallantry, where every seat feels like a front-row ticket to a medieval melee.
The Spectacle Unfolds
Tournament of Kings is a sensory overload of action, sound, and color, transforming the King Arthur’s Arena into a battlefield of bravery and betrayal. From the thunder of hooves to the clash of titanium swords, the show delivers a spectacle that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
Jousting and Stunts
At the heart of the show is its breathtaking horsemanship and stunt work, performed by a cast of skilled knights and 10 of the 17 horses from the Excalibur stable. Gallant knights, clad in colorful armor representing different European realms, charge across the 120-by-60-foot dirt arena, wielding lances that shatter approximately 4,100 tips annually. The jousting is no mere choreography—it’s a high-stakes display of precision, with knights performing daring falls and acrobatic feats, cushioned by the arena’s specially mixed soil. Sword fights, choreographed to spark with titanium blades, add to the drama, while pyrotechnics and explosions amplify the intensity, especially during the climactic battle against the evil wizard Mordred.
The show’s stunt team, led by a core production crew since 1990, ensures every move is polished yet visceral. A Yelp reviewer described it as “perfectly fun and cheesy, everything you would expect from a medieval themed show in a castle hotel dungeon”. The addition of pyrotechnics in recent years, noted by a 2025 review as startlingly effective, elevates the spectacle beyond traditional Renaissance fairs. For kids, the sight of knights on horseback and the boom of fireworks is thrilling; for adults, the athleticism and choreography make it a standout, with one Tripadvisor reviewer calling it “a step above Medieval Times”.
“perfectly fun and cheesy, everything you would expect from a medieval themed show in a castle hotel dungeon”
Yelp Reviewer
Audience Participation
What sets Tournament of Kings apart is its interactive energy. Upon entering the arena, guests are assigned to one of 10 “kingdom” sections, each cheering for a specific knight or king, from Ireland to Russia. Merlin, played by actor Doug Baker since the show’s inception, sets the stage by rallying the crowd to support their realm, turning the theater into a raucous cheering match. Waiters, dressed as medieval servants and wenches, encourage booing the villainous Dragon King or Mordred, creating a communal vibe where even shy spectators join in.
This participation makes every show feel unique, as audience energy shapes the atmosphere. Kids love banging on tables and shouting for their knight, while adults revel in the playful rivalry. A Tripadvisor reviewer noted, “The whole show was amazing!! Truly excellent performance!” praising the way the cast engages the crowd. The Dragon Knight’s extra effort to pose for photos with a family, despite one member’s mobility issues, highlights the show’s commitment to connection. For groups seeking a shared experience, this interactive element turns the show into a boisterous celebration.
Storytelling
The narrative of Tournament of Kings is simple yet engaging, drawing loosely from Arthurian legend. King Arthur gathers Europe’s rulers for a celebratory tournament, only for the evil wizard Mordred to crash the party with his Dragon Knight, sparking a battle of good versus evil. The 2025 iteration introduces Arthur’s reunion with his son Christopher, adding a familial layer to the plot. While the story isn’t complex—good triumphs, as expected—it’s delivered with enough flair to keep audiences hooked, with Merlin’s narration and the knights’ theatrics driving the drama.
The storytelling shines in its accessibility. Kids follow the clear hero-villain arc, while adults appreciate the tongue-in-cheek humor and dramatic flair, like Mordred’s fiery entrance with smoke and fog effects. A Power Traveller review praised how “the show seamlessly blends the past and present, creating a one-of-a-kind experience”. The holiday-themed ‘Twas the Knight adds festive elements, like a winter wonderland set and special menu, enhancing the narrative for seasonal shows. This straightforward yet captivating plot ensures the action remains the star, making it ideal for all ages.
The Feast
No medieval adventure is complete without a feast, and Tournament of Kings delivers a dining experience as immersive as its performance. Guests eat with their hands—no utensils, as in medieval times—enjoying a two-course meal of Cornish game hen, lemon pepper roasted red potatoes, seasonal vegetables (often corn on the cob), a dinner roll, and an apple square dessert. Excalibur’s kitchen, the top U.S. purchaser of Cornish hens, has served approximately 6.7 million since 1990, a testament to the show’s scale. Free beverages include soda or water, with alcohol available at an additional cost, though reviewers note it’s pricey.
The food, while not gourmet, is hearty and fittingly rustic. A Tripadvisor reviewer called it “a good value included with the ticket price,” though some, like Rocky Mountain News’s Lisa Bornstein, found the meal less appealing when mixed with arena dust. Special dietary options—vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-allergy, and kids’ meals—are available with at least four hours’ notice, with kosher meals requiring 72 hours. A parent on Tripadvisor praised the staff’s responsiveness, noting they provided detailed allergen information for a child’s meal. The hands-on dining adds to the fun, with kids delighting in the mess and adults embracing the medieval vibe, as one Yelp reviewer noted: “You can, but it’s intended to eat the food with your hands”.
Family Appeal
Tournament of Kings is a family magnet, welcoming all ages (children under three are free) and earning rave reviews for its kid-friendly energy. The action-packed jousting, vibrant costumes, and pyrotechnics captivate young audiences, while the interactive cheering keeps them engaged. A Tripadvisor review highlighted how “my great grandchildren were enthralled and loved every minute,” with accommodations for special meals ensuring inclusivity. The 73-minute runtime, without intermission, is perfect for shorter attention spans, and the nearby Fun Dungeon arcade adds pre-show excitement for kids.
Parents appreciate the show’s clean humor and accessibility, with wheelchair seating and clear instructions for finding the hard-to-locate arena (enter the hotel, head to the center box office, take the stairs down, and turn left). The holiday version, ‘Twas the Knight, adds festive charm, making it a holiday tradition for many families. A Las Vegas Kids review called it “a great way to immerse kids in history while having fun,” sparking conversations about medieval times. For families seeking a shared adventure, the show’s blend of action, humor, and dining makes it a memorable outing.
Some caveats exist: guests with allergies, asthma, or respiratory issues should note the proximity to horses and dust, and the pyrotechnics may startle young children. A Reddit user warned, “They’ve added pyrotechnics and explosions (which startled my unborn son, so buyer beware!)”. Yet, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with a Viator reviewer calling it “Mom and Daughter Tournament of Kings Best Night in Vegas!”.
Evergreen Charm
Despite flashier Vegas productions like Cirque du Soleil or pop residencies, Tournament of Kings retains its allure, drawing 900 guests per show with its timeless appeal. Its longevity—over 35 years and 10,000 performances—stems from its unique niche: a family-friendly, interactive spectacle that feels distinct from the Strip’s high-tech shows. The core production team, including producer Peter Jackson, has been with the show since 1990, ensuring consistency while adding modern touches like enhanced pyrotechnics. The Excalibur show’s setting, a dirt-floored arena inspired by rodeos, and its modest $63–$109 ticket price (including dinner) make it accessible compared to pricier Vegas offerings.
The show’s interactive nature and medieval theme resonate in a city that thrives on escapism. It’s also a romantic draw, hosting dozens of marriage proposals annually, with nearly all accepted. While some Reddit users found it “mid” or lacking true jousting, others called it “a bunch of fun,” especially for those willing to embrace its campy charm. As Las Vegas Theater noted, it’s “the one show on the Las Vegas Strip guaranteed to satisfy your appetite for adventure”. Its ability to blend nostalgia with excitement keeps it a crowd-pleaser, even as newer shows vie for attention.
Conclusion
Tournament of Kings at Excalibur Hotel & Casino is a thrilling plunge into a medieval world of jousting, feasting, and camaraderie, offering a unique blend of action, humor, and hands-on dining that captivates families and groups alike. The knights’ daring stunts, the audience’s raucous cheering, and the hearty Cornish hen feast create an immersive escape that feels both timeless and exhilarating. For kids, it’s a chance to cheer for heroes and marvel at horses; for adults, it’s a nostalgic dive into a bygone era with a Vegas twist. As one of the Strip’s longest-running shows, its evergreen charm lies in its ability to deliver pure, unpretentious fun. Grab a ticket, raise a stein, and join King Arthur’s court for a night of valor, laughter, and medieval magic—a classic Las Vegas adventure that proves the past is always present in Sin City.
