Ladies and gentlemen, gamers and legends, get ready to mark your calendars because 2024-2025 is bringing you an unforgettable lineup of gaming conventions and esports tournaments–almost as iconic as the “Faker vs. Ryu” outplay in League of Legends, with millions of viewers watching the flashy Zed mirror match that defined what it means to be a pro.
From the electrifying stages of the League of Legends World Championship to the heart-pounding action of the Apex Legends Global Series, this year is packed with events you won’t want to miss.
Whether you’re a fan cheering in the stands, a competitor eyeing the prize, or just looking to dive into the gaming world’s biggest gatherings, we’ve got the top 38 gaming events that will define the next year in games and esports.
Buckle up—it’s going to be one unforgettable ride.
Here’s the entire list of 38 gaming conventions, events, and esports tournaments:
- League of Legends World Championship
- CS:GO 2 Major Championships
- Dota 2 The International
- Apex Legends Global Series
- Fortnite Champion Series
- Valorant Champions Tour
- Evolution Champion Series
- Intel Extreme Masters
- Call of Duty Major 1
- Six Invitational
- Halo World Championship
- Blast World Final
- OverWatch CS Major
- PAX
- Comic Con
- GenCon
- DreamHack
- BlizzCon
- TwitchCon
- MagFest
- The Game Awards
- GDC (Game Developers’ Conference)
- New York Game Awards
- D.I.C.E. Summit
- HIT Games Conference
- Gamemasters Summit
- Copenhagen Gaming Week
- Pocket Gamers Connect London
- Taipei Game Showcase
- Gamesforum Barcelona
- Digital Gaming India Expo
- Reboot Develop Blue
- GamesCon Latam
- Digital Dragons
- Nordic Game Spring
- Develop:Brighton
- BitSummit
- GameCom
🎮Top Esports events and tournaments
If you haven’t realized yet, esports tournaments are all the rage lately.
Esports is so popular that it’s even being considered for inclusion in the Olympics.
Don’t want to miss out on these exciting events? Here are all of the top esports tournaments and events you’ll want to keep an eye out for.
1. CS:GO (CounterStrike) 2 Major Championships
- Date: 21 – 31 March 2024, with ongoing championships until December 2024.
- Location: Royal Arena, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Learn more here.
2 Major Championships are the pinnacle of competitive Counter-Strike, bringing the world’s best teams and intense, high-stakes matches to massive live audiences. Expect epic plays, electrifying atmospheres, and a front-row seat to esports history in the making
2. League of Legends World Championship 2024
- Date: November 2, 2024
- Location: London, England
- Learn more here.
The League of Legends World Championship is the ultimate battleground where the top teams from around the globe fight for the title of the best in the world. From a gamer’s perspective, the best parts are the insane crowd energy, the mental chess on stage, and proving yourself under the brightest lights when everything’s on the line—it's where legends are truly made.
You can’t forget the remarkable performances by global celebrities like NewJeans, Lil Nas X, Zedd, Imagine Dragons, and the list goes on.
Each year, there are hundreds of thousands of people who attend this infamous esports tournament, but no worries. They always livestream the entire event online for an audience of over 40 million viewers.
3. Dota 2 The International
- Date: Autumn 2024
- Location: Singapore, Malaysia
- Learn more here.
Dota 2 The International is the grandest stage in esports, where the best teams in the world compete for the highest stakes and the most prestigious title in Dota.
Here are some impressive stats for some context: The prize pool often exceeds $40 million, with the largest reaching $40,018,195 in 2021, making it the most lucrative esports tournament ever. The event also pulls in millions of live viewers, with peak concurrent viewership hitting over 2.7 million during the 2019 finals.
4. Apex Legends Global Series
- Date: ALGS Pro League returns January 20-21, 2024. Challenger Circuit TBC.
- Location: TBC
- Learn more here.
The Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) is a top-tier battle royale tournament where the best squads from around the world clash in high-speed, strategic combat for dominance and a massive prize pool.
The best parts are the intense endgame fights, the smart rotations, and watching teams pull off clutch plays under pressure.
Here are some Impressive stats for more context: The ALGS Championship prize pool has reached over $2 million, with the 2023 finals peaking at nearly 650,000 concurrent viewers, showcasing the game's explosive growth in the competitive scene.
5. Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) 2024
- Date: TBC
- Location: TBC
- Learn more here.
- Prize pool: <$3 million
If you haven’t jumped on the Fortnite wave yet, have you been living under a rock?
Jokes aside, Fortnite has blown up in popularity over the recent years, and this championship series is the #1 Fortnite event you don’t want to miss out on–featuring fast-paced, high-skill gameplay where solos, duos, and trios battle it out for massive cash prizes and ultimate bragging rights.
6. 2024 Valorant Champions Tour
- Date: Aug 01, 2024
- Location: TBC
- Learn more here.
The Valorant Champions Tour is basically where all the top teams in Valorant go head-to-head throughout the year to see who’s the best in the world. The 2023 Valorant Champions had a prize pool of $2.25 million and drew over 1.4 million peak concurrent viewers during the finals, proving Valorant’s rapid rise in the esports scene.
7. Evolution (Evo) Champion Series
- Dates: Evo Japan: 27 – 29 April and Evo USA: 18-21 July
- Location: Ariake GYM-EX, Tokyo, Japan, and TBC Las Vegas, USA.
- Learn more here.
The Evo Champion Series is the ultimate fighting game tournament where the world’s best players battle it out in games like Street Fighter, Tekken, and Mortal Kombat. With thousands of fans, jaw-dropping comebacks, and legendary rivalries, Evo is more than just competition—it’s the heart of the fighting game community. It’s where iconic moments happen, and champions are made.
8. Intel Extreme Masters
- Dates: 9 – 11 February, April 12 – 14, May 31 – June 2, August 16 – 18, October 11 – 13, and TBC for the Grand Slam IV.
- Location: Poland, China, Dallas, Cologne and TBC
- Learn more here.
Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) is one of the most prestigious global esports tournaments, where elite teams compete across games like CS, StarCraft II, and more. Known for its massive stadiums, passionate crowds, and high-level gameplay, IEM is where the best of the best go head-to-head for glory and hefty prize pools. It’s the ultimate proving ground for esports legends.
9. Call of Duty Major 1
- Date: Jan. 1-5, 2025
- Location: Las Vegas, NV and streaming on Twitch
- Learn more here.
Call of Duty Major 1 is the kickoff event of the Call of Duty League season, where top teams face off in intense, high-octane matches that set the tone for the entire year.
What makes it stand out? It’s the first major test of new team rosters, fresh metas, and bold strategies, with explosive gunplay, nail-biting Search and Destroy rounds, and clutch moments that leave fans on the edge of their seats.
For gamers, it’s the perfect blend of skill, strategy, and adrenaline-fueled action that defines competitive Call of Duty.
10. Six Invitational
- Date: TBA
- Location: United States
- Learn more here.
The Six Invitational is like the Super Bowl of Rainbow Six Siege—where the best teams from every region go all out in the most tactical, high-stakes Siege battles you’ll ever see. Imagine insane strats, crazy 1v5 clutches, and coordinated breaches that make your jaw drop—this is peak Siege gameplay. It’s not just about winning; it’s about proving you’re the smartest and most skilled in the game. If you love intense mind games, next-level plays, and the thrill of pulling off the impossible, this is the tournament you can’t miss.
11. Halo World Championship
- Date: Oct. 4-6, 2024
- Location: Seattle, WA
- Learn more here.
The Halo World Championship is the ultimate showdown for the best Halo teams worldwide, battling it out in fast-paced, high-skill matches that test aim, teamwork, and map control. Think clutch snipes, perfect grenade throws, and legendary comebacks that keep you glued to the screen—it’s everything Halo is about, turned up to eleven. For gamers, it’s a masterclass in strategy, precise gunplay, and iconic moments that define the legacy of Halo esports. If you’re into intense battles and top-tier competitive play, this is where the best of the best make their mark.
12. Blast World Final
- Date: Oct 30-Nov 3, 2024
- Location: Singapore
- Learn more here.
The BLAST World Final is the endgame of competitive CS—a high-energy, do-or-die tournament where the best teams in the world face off for the ultimate title. Imagine insane flick shots, perfect utility plays, and mind-blowing clutches in every match—it’s nonstop action, all in a packed arena with crazy crowd hype. This isn’t just another tournament; it’s where the year’s top storylines collide, and the best players prove who’s really on top. If you’re into tactical gameplay, high-stakes pressure, and insane highlight moments, the BLAST World Final is pure CS at its finest.
13. OverWatch CS Major
- Date: May 31- June 2, 2024
- Location: Dallas, Texas
- Learn more here.
The Overwatch Contenders Series (CS) Major is the proving ground for the next wave of Overwatch talent—a high-stakes, fast-paced tournament where up-and-coming teams battle to make their mark and earn a spot in the Overwatch League. Picture this: non-stop hero plays, insane ult combos, and strategies that push the meta forward, all happening live with young pros hungry to prove themselves. It's got everything Overwatch is known for—crazy team fights, epic comebacks, and the kind of plays that get everyone talking.
🎮Must-attend gaming conventions (US-based)
Aside from the top live streamed esports events, the gaming industry is ripe with opportunities to connect with other gamers and game developers in-person.
Want to network with other gamers just as passionate about the industry as you are? Take a look at these gaming conventions across the US that you’ll want to attend in 2024 and 2025.
14. PAX (Penny Arcade Expo)
- Date: Oct. 11-13, 2024 and Dec. 6-8, 2024
- Location: Multiple locations (Melbourne, Australia and Philadelphia, PA)
- Learn more here.
PAX hosts several events across the U.S., including PAX West (Seattle, WA), PAX East (Boston, MA), and PAX South (San Antonio, TX). It’s one of the biggest conventions for gamers and game developers, featuring panels, tournaments, cosplay, and a massive exhibition hall showcasing indie and AAA games.
It’s like stepping into a living, breathing game world—packed with indie gems, big-name titles, tabletop adventures, and cosplay so good it’s like the characters jumped out of the screen. Think epic panels with game dev legends, hands-on demos that feel like unlocking secret levels, and community vibes that make it feel like you’re partying with your guild IRL. Whether you’re here to discover your next favorite game, snag exclusive loot, or just vibe with fellow gamers, PAX is where the adventure never stops. Get ready to hit that respawn.
15. Comic-Con
- Date: July 24-27, 2025
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Learn more here.
While primarily known as a pop culture and comic convention, San Diego Comic-Con also features a significant amount of gaming content, including game demos, panels, and esports tournaments.
It’s the ultimate crossover event where every fandom collides like an epic, real-life multiverse! Imagine walking through hallways filled with legendary superheroes, iconic villains, and the most mind-blowing cosplay you’ve ever seen—it’s like leveling up your character IRL. From exclusive sneak peeks of blockbuster movies and games to legendary panels with your favorite creators, Comic-Con is the main event where pop culture’s biggest moments go down. Whether you’re here for the rare collectibles, mind-bending artist alleys, or just to soak in the electric fan energy, Comic-Con 2025 is the ultimate quest for every geek, gamer, and superfan.
16. Gen Con
- Date: July 31 - Aug. 3, 2025
- Location: Indianapolis, IN
- Learn more here.
Known as the largest tabletop gaming convention in North America, Gen Con also hosts a substantial amount of video game content. It’s the mecca for board game lovers, RPG fanatics, and card-slinging strategists, packed with new game releases, epic tournaments, and immersive live-action experiences that make you feel like you’re inside your favorite campaign. Imagine exploring massive halls filled with thousands of games to try, meeting legendary game designers, and teaming up with fellow adventurers for epic sessions that go all night.
17. DreamHack Atlanta
- Date: Oct. 4-6, 2024
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Learn more here.
DreamHack is a massive digital festival featuring everything from esports competitions and LAN parties to gaming expos, cosplay contests, and non-stop LAN parties. It’s a great place for competitive gamers and those looking to immerse themselves in gaming culture.
18. BlizzCon
- Date: TBA
- Location: TBA (usually Anaheim, CA)
- Learn more here.
The bad news: BlizzCon won’t be available in 2024. The good news? They’ll probably come back in 2025 (fingers crossed).
Hosted by Blizzard Entertainment, BlizzCon focuses on Blizzard’s own games, like World of Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo. It’s a must-attend for fans of Blizzard’s franchises, featuring exclusive game reveals, developer panels, and esports tournaments.
19. TwitchCon
- Date: Sept. 20-22, 2024
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Learn more here.
If you’re a gamer, you know that Twitch streamers are some of the biggest content creators out there. Want a chance to meet some of your favorite streamers? TwitchCon is the gaming convention for you.
TwitchCon celebrates all things streaming and gaming, bringing together Twitch content creators, viewers, and fans. The event features live broadcasts, panel discussions, and meet-and-greets with top streamers, along with an exhibition hall showcasing new games and products.
20. Super MAGFest (Music and Gaming Festival)
- Date: Jan. 23-26, 2025
- Location: National Harbor, MD
- Learn more here.
MAGFest is a non-profit organization that throws a festival to make the world a better, happier place through video games, music, and culture. In a unique, 24-hour convention format, the festival is known for its retro gaming, arcade setups, and concerts featuring video game music. Fans of indie games, classic arcade titles, and game music will find plenty to enjoy here.
21. The Game Awards
- Date: Dec. 12, 2024
- Location: Streaming live everywhere from Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, CA
- Learn more here.
Get ready for the 10th anniversary of this annual game awards show, hosted by Geoff Keighley. While primarily an awards show, The Game Awards also serve as a mini-convention of sorts, with major game announcements, world premieres, and networking opportunities for game developers and industry insiders.
22. GDC (Game Developers Conference)
- Date: March 17-21, 2025
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- Learn more here.
GDC is the ultimate gathering where game creators, innovators, and industry legends come together to shape the future of gaming! Picture yourself in a hub brimming with groundbreaking talks, hands-on workshops, and cutting-edge showcases that dive deep into the art and science of game development. From insider secrets and tech demos to networking with the masterminds behind your favorite games, GDC is where creativity meets tech and the next big idea is born.
23. New York Game Awards
- Date: TBA (usually January)
- Location: New York, NY
- Learn more here.
Here’s another game awards event for those who want to see your favorite video games win big on the screen. Imagine a glamorous night where top games and outstanding achievements are celebrated with style and flair, featuring red carpet moments, exclusive reveals, and live performances. From thrilling award presentations to catching up with industry giants and seeing who takes home the coveted trophies, this is the event to celebrate the year’s best games.
24. D.I.C.E. Summit (Europe)
- Date: Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2024
- Location: Lake Como, Italy
- Learn more here.
D.I.C.E. Summit is hitting Europe soon in Italy. This is where the global game development elite converge for an unforgettable journey into the future of interactive entertainment. It’s a high-stakes gathering packed with visionary talks, insights, and innovative showcases that push the boundaries of modern gaming. You’ll have the chance to network with industry experts and learn from some of the best in the world.
25. HIT Games Conference
- Date: TBA (usually January or February)
- Location: Online
- Learn more here.
HIT Games Conference (HGC) is international B2B events dedicated to development, publishing & growth of the gaming market — covering Mobile, PC & Console, Web3 games and more. Picture a dynamic event filled with groundbreaking panels, hands-on workshops, and exclusive demos that highlight the future of gaming tech and trends. From networking with top developers to discovering the latest advancements and trends shaping the future of games, HIT Games Conference is where you’ll get the inside scoop on what’s coming next.
26. Gamemasters Summit
- Date: February 21, 2024
- Location: Online
- Learn more here.
Don’t have the budget or time to fly out to a gaming convention in-person? This one’s a must-attend, free online event. The Gamemasters Summit is a free one-day digital conference designed by the team at Kwalee to inspire, educate, and connect professionals across mobile game development, marketing, UA, monetisation and publishing, along with those aspiring to start or develop their career in mobile games.
🎮International gaming conventions and events in 2025
Have travel plans coming up in 2025? Some of the world’s top gaming conventions and events actually happen overseas, not just in the US.
Check out some of these top global events for the gaming industry in other countries–now you just might have a valid excuse to finally go on that Europe trip you’ve been dreaming about.
27. Copenhagen Gaming Week 2024
- Date: Feb. 13-15, 2025
- Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Learn more here.
Copenhagen Gaming Week is awesome because it’s a perfect mix of competitive gaming and cool gaming culture. You get to check out top esports matches, meet industry pros, and explore tons of gaming gear and tech. Plus, the vibe in Copenhagen is great for hanging out and diving into all things gaming. It’s definitely worth the trip if you’re into seeing the latest in esports and gaming innovation up close.
28. Pocket Gamer Connects London 2025
- Date: Jan. 20-21, 2025
- Location: London
- Learn more here.
Pocket Gamer Connects London 2025 is a must-attend if you're into mobile gaming and development. It’s packed with insightful talks from industry leaders, networking opportunities, and showcases of the latest in mobile game tech and trends. Plus, London’s a fantastic city to explore between sessions. If you want to dive deep into mobile gaming and connect with the industry's top minds, this is the event for you.
29. Taipei Game Showcase 2025
- Date: Jan. 23-26, 2025
- Location: Taipei
- Learn more here.
The Taipei Game Showcase is a fantastic spot to catch the latest in game development and tech from Asia. It’s got a great mix of indie games, cutting-edge tech demos, and panels from industry experts. If you’re into seeing fresh, innovative games and trends, this is a great conference to check out.
30. Gamesforum Barcelona 2025
- Date: Feb. 5-6, 2025
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Learn more here.
Gamesforum Barcelona is the ultimate gaming fiesta where business meets innovation in style! You get to listen to talks from industry legends who reveal the latest trends and game-changing tech, rub elbows with top developers, publishers, and game changers, and make connections that could shape your career. Plus, you get an exclusive look at demos that no one’s seen before.
31. Digital Gaming India Expo 2025
- Date: March 19-21, 2025
- Location: New Delhi, India
- Learn more here.
The Digital Gaming India Expo 2025 is a fantastic event to check out if you’re into the Indian gaming scene. You’ll get to see cutting-edge tech, discover new games, and hear from industry leaders about the future of gaming in India. Exploring the expo in India is a unique experience with lots of local culture to soak in. It’s a great chance to dive into a booming market and see what’s next in gaming.
32. Reboot Develop Blue 2025
- Date: April 14-16, 2025
- Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Learn more here.
If you haven’t been to the scenic and stunning land of Croatia, this is your chance. The tenth edition of Reboot Develop Blue continues to be one of the biggest games industry events, including more than 160 speakers over a three-day lineup and a B2B expo area. This gaming convention is a top-tier event if you’re into game development and want to see the latest in industry innovation. You’ll experience in-depth panels from game dev legends, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities with top professionals.
33. Gamescom Latam 2025
- Date: April 30 - May 4, 2025
- Location: São Paulo, Brazil
- Learn more here.
Imagine diving into the coolest new games and tech, catching electrifying panels from top industry experts, and mingling with the best in the Latin American gaming scene. Plus, the vibe in Latin America will be incredible, full of energy and local culture. If you’re up for an amazing adventure and want to see the hottest trends in gaming, this is the event you can’t miss.
34. Digital Dragons 2025
- Date: May 19-20, 2025
- Location: Krakow, Poland
- Learn more here.
Digital Dragons 2025 is one of Europe’s largest business events, and it’s going to be a game-changing event next year. You can get hands-on with the latest tech, get exclusive insights from panels, and connect with gaming industry experts all in one place.
35. Nordic Game Spring 2025
- Date: May 20-23, 2025
- Location: Malmö, Sweden
- Learn more here.
Nordic Game 2025 is the leading games conference in Europe. Gathering thousands of industry professionals in the spring and autumn each year, Nordic Game is the meeting place for the highly successful game developers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Plus, the vibes in Scandinavia are incredible.
36. Develop:Brighton 2025
- Date: July 8-10, 2025
- Location: Brighton, UK
- Learn more here.
Develop:Brighton is the only event in the UK that brings the entire gaming industry together. It’s packed with top industry panels, hands-on workshops, and tons of chances to network with game devs from around the world. If you’re looking to spot the latest trends and meet key players in the gaming world, this event is where you want to be.
37. BitSummit
- Date: July 19-21, 2025
- Location: Kyoto, Japan
- Learn more here.
Get ready for Bitsummit 2025 in Japan—where indie gaming dreams come alive! Picture a dazzling showcase of innovative games, mind-blowing demos, and electrifying panels from the brightest indie talents. It’s your chance to dive into the cutting edge of game development and explore the vibrant Japanese gaming scene.
38. Gamescom 2025
- Date: Aug. 20-24, 2025
- Location: Cologne, Germany
- Learn more here.
Looking for a gaming event with a festival atmosphere in Europe? Here’s another one to add to your calendar: GamesCom 2025. Play the latest games, be in the middle of all the shows and have an unforgettable time. They also have an entertainment area with areas for cosplay, retro and indie fans, among others. You’ll have the chance to experience special shows like gamescom Opening Night Live, gamescom studios with live audiences on site as well as numerous broadcast streams.
What to expect for first gaming convention experience
Whether you’re a sales professional looking for prospects in the gaming industry at the next in-person gaming event, or a super passionate gaming enthusiast who wants to join in on the fun, these events are totally different from your typical “business conference.”
You won’t be bored with hours long keynotes and stuffy meetings. Instead, you can expect a whole lot of action-packed fun with game demos, cosplaying, competitions, and more.
Don’t know what to expect for your first gaming convention experience?
Here are some things you can expect (and get excited for):
- Massive crowds and high energy: Don’t underestimate the gaming community. You’ll be surrounded by thousands of fellow gamers, cosplayers, and developers. It’s loud, exciting, and packed with people who share a passion for this niche.
- Epic game demos: This might be one of the top highlights of gaming events. You’ll get hands-on with upcoming games, sometimes even before they’re released. Sure, the lines might get long, but it’s worth the experience.
- Merch and swag everywhere: Be ready to spend some cash, or bring a bag for all the freebies you can get. From exclusive gear to collectibles, you’ll find all kinds of cool merch.
- Panels and live shows: Industry legends, top streamers, and developers host panels where they talk about games, strategies, and behind-the-scenes stories. And if you get a chance to attend a worldwide known event like the League of Legends World Championship, you get to see live performances from top stars like Zedd, Imagine Dragons, New Jeans, and more.
- Cosplay galore: The cosplay scene is next level—expect to see amazing costumes of your favorite characters. It’s like stepping into a real-life video game.
- Tournaments and competitions: Whether you’re a spectator or competing, the hype around tournaments is real. You’ll feel the adrenaline in the crowd as players go head-to-head.
- Meetups and networking: You’ll have tons of chances to meet your people, AKA fellow gamers, streamers, and even game developers. It’s a great way to make new friends and connections.
Planning your 2025 calendar for the top gaming conventions and events
Whether you’re looking for the next gaming event for the rest of 2024 or planning ahead for the 2025 event calendar, there’s an event for every type of gamer almost every month of the year.
Use this list to start planning ahead and get hype for the upcoming events. And if you’re a sales professional in the gaming industry looking for new prospects, you can use this list to help you expand your reach and build real connections in an unforgettable way.
Here’s a pro-tip: If you’re doing sales in the gaming industry, consider gifting your best prospects tickets to the next big gaming convention or event. It’ll be a nice gesture for them to feel even more connected in the industry (and leave a lasting impression!).
Want to do some research ahead of time on prospects in the gaming industry? Check out the free Seamless.AI gaming business directory for the gaming industry. Find company details, technological stack information, key decision-makers, and more data in the directory.