Gamescom, Zurich Pop Con, DreamHack, Paris Games Week: Global Gaming Events Are Smashing Records Around the World
The gaming industry is no longer restricted to one and two players games and consoles. Nowadays, players can go up against multiple players, make a career from the pastime, and attend many gaming events and tournaments worldwide.
You only need to look at the attendance of some of the biggest events in the world to see that gaming is no longer a fun hobby. It has become a huge passion and even a profession for many. Continue reading for a rundown of the global gaming events that are smashing records around the world.
Zurich Pop Con
Zurich Pop Con in Switzerland is gaining in popularity for its eSports tournaments, large cosplay village, and celebrity guests. The nation has seemingly fallen in love with gaming, which has been fundamental to its success. Whi’le locals tend to lean more toward swiss casino jackpot sites, the pop culture and gaming event is growing in popularity. For comparison, 34,000 people attended the event in 2022, 38,000 attended in 2023, and 43,500 attended in 2024. As the two-day event is growing in size year after year, Zurich Pop Con is expected to be bigger and better than ever when it returns on the 27th September 2025.
Gamescom
Gamescom continues to set new records for in-person attendance and digital viewership, as hundreds of thousands of gamers attend or tune in for huge announcements, the latest game reveals, and celebrity appearances. For instance, 357,000 people from approximately 128 countries attended the event, which is held in Cologne, Germany, in 2025. It was an increase from 335,000 in 2024. Also, it broke the record for digital views this year, as 72 million people watched the Gamescom Opening Night Live, making it the most-watched gaming event in history.
DreamHack
DreamHack started in Sweden in the 1990s as a Local Area Network (LAN) gathering, bringing together players who love playing in-person games during their downtime. Since then, it has become a major gaming event where thousands of avid gamers bring their computers to play various games.
What started out as a small-scale gathering is now a top event on the calendar, and is popular for its cosplay competitions, eSports tournaments, and cool exhibition hall. Due to its impressive annual turnout, it now holds the Guinness World Record for the largest LAN party in the world. Also, it is no longer restricted to Sweden, as various DreamHack events are now held internationally. Keep your eyes peeled for a event near you.
Paris Games Week
Paris Games Week is a must-visit for every avid gamer, as people from across the world attend the annual event to play upcoming games, watch exciting eSports tournaments, play card games, and dress up in cosplay. It even has a Made in France area to highlight the nation’s talent and achievements in the gaming industry.
It is the second most popular gaming event in Europe behind Gamescom, as it attracted 317,000 in 2019. After a brief hiatus, the much-loved video game trade show continues to prove popular with gamers everywhere, attracting 180,000 people annually.
