Smorey first organized the event in 2003 because he wanted to have more opportunities to play with his friends. He has been running games and tournaments for 13 years, and said the experience helped him get the Spring Gathering off the ground. The first event only drew about a dozen players, but has grown quickly ever since.
"Hopefully we will continue onward and upward," Smorey said.
Charles Riggs of Bright, Indiana, flips through his binder to examine his collection and prepare an army for an Axis & Allies Minis game.