The Equestria Games, according to Ms. Harshwhinny, are "where ponies from all over the land compete for glory in various athletic pursuits." The Games are first mentioned in the synchronously-set episodes Just for Sidekicks and Games Ponies Play. In the former episode, Fluttershy says Princess Cadance "needs us to do a great job welcoming the Head of the Equestria Games when she visits the Crystal Empire tomorrow". In the latter episode, Cloudsdale lost out in their bid to host the Equestria Games to Fillydelphia in a flashback to when Rainbow Dash was a filly, and in the present day, the Equestria Games inspector Ms. Harshwhinny says "Every city and empire wants to host the Equestria Games" and chooses the Crystal Empire to be the next host of the Equestria Games.