It is usually held close to Little Rock, Arkansas, US and its goals are to encourage exchange of ideas/techniques and promote the high level of tactical skills, mental focus and physical endurance possessed by SWAT Teams.
The event began in 2004 under its original name of World SWAT Challenge and was won by San Antonio, Texas.
The event was renamed Original SWAT World Challenge in 2005 when the tactical footwear company Original SWAT became title sponsor, and has since been expanded into the World SWAT Series which will include regional competitions capable of hosting 25–30 competing teams.
OLN televised the 2007 event which was held 24–28 April close to Little Rock, Arkansas at Camp Joseph T. Robinson (National Guard Base).
Original SWAT Footwear Company has discontinued its sponsorship of the event, and is now the title sponsor of the 2008 Original SWAT Tactical World Cup.