One rule of the Games states that a competitor can only compete in one event. Teams of three compete for open slots to compete in the Games one of the teams consists of Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Bulk Biceps. The Equestria Games are mentioned again in Rainbow Falls, where the titular location serves as the venue for the Games' qualification tryouts. Harshwhinny chooses the Cutie Mark Crusaders as Ponyville's flag carriers.
Rainbow Dash states that she was a flag carrier for Cloudsdale when she was a filly. In Flight to the Finish, the fillies and colts in Cheerilee's class come up with flag carrying routines in the hopes of being chosen to carry the flag for Ponyville. One tradition of the Games has a pony or group of ponies from each city in Equestria chosen as a flag carrier for their represented city. 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. 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. 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". The Games are first mentioned in the synchronously-set episodes Just for Sidekicks and Games Ponies Play. Harshwhinny, are "where ponies from all over the land compete for glory in various athletic pursuits."