SPIEL Essen 2026 sets new attendance record
SPIEL Essen 2026 welcomed a record-breaking 230,000 visitors, making it the largest edition in the event’s history. Held from October 22 to 25, the world’s largest board game fair was sold out on all four days.
81,200 square metres of exhibition space
For the first time, all halls at Messe Essen were in use, providing 81,200 square metres of exhibition space. A total of 997 exhibitors from 53 countries presented 2,012 new releases. Strong demand from exhibitors, including requests for larger stands, made the expansion necessary.
Despite reaching the venue’s capacity, organiser Merz Verlag has ruled out relocating the fair and plans to continue developing SPIEL in Essen.
New initiative
The 2026 edition also introduced Essen spielt!, a new initiative bringing gaming events and special offers to locations across the city. Other highlights included Warhammer 40,000 laser tag, the SPIEL.talks stage, the Golden Demon miniature painting competition and the inaugural TCG Awards.
American artist and illustrator Peter Mohrbacher, creator of the fantasy world Angelarium, served as this year’s SPIEL ambassador.
The Deutscher Spiele Preis 2026 went to Artengarten (first place), followed by Boss Fighters QR and Galactic Cruise. The Best Children’s Game award went to Toriki: Eine Insel voller Abenteuer.
Organisers are already preparing the next edition. SPIEL Essen 2027 will take place from October 21 to 24, 2027.