Spiel Essen, the world’s largest board game fair, returns Oct. 23-26 with record exhibition space and an expanded program. Organizers expect more than 200,000 visitors, while around 890 exhibitors from 51 countries will present both new releases and classics in Essen, Germany.
For the first time, Hall 7 will be used, bringing the total exhibition area to 77,500 square meters — the third consecutive year the fair has grown. Exhibitors are distributed thematically across seven exhibition halls and the Galeria, with smooth transitions between areas designed to help attendees explore a wide variety of offerings. Interactive hall plans are available online. Last year’s event sold out for the first time, and more than half of the tickets for 2025 are already sold.
“The world’s largest B2C trade fair in the board game sector has outgrown the existing halls in recent years. That’s why we’ve added Hall 7 to our exhibition space this year,” explains Florian Hess, Managing Director of Spiel.
A new stage area in Hall 4 will host panels, lectures, discussion forums, and live shows as part of a comprehensive supporting program. Highlights include Educators Day on Friday, featuring international speakers on the role of games in education, a cosplay show, and a live performance from U.S.-based YouTube channel The Dice Tower. Games Workshop once again hosts the Golden Demon painting competition, while Kosmos stages a world record attempt for the largest Catan game, bringing 1,200 players together in the Grugahalle with commentary by Smudo of hip-hop group Die Fantastischen Vier. The fair has also appointed Mháire Stritter, presenter of Orkenspalter TV, cosplayer, and role-player, as its 2025 games ambassador.
“Our [programming] — consisting of panels, lectures, discussion forums, and live shows — enriches the trade fair experience,” says Carol Rapp, Managing Director of Spiel.Â
Merz Verlag, the organizer of Spiel, has shifted exclusively to online day ticket sales, with no on-site box office. The free Spiel Essen app features interactive hall plans, product information, and a new Favorites function. Show hours run Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday until 6 p.m.
Tickets are available at messe-ticket.de.
