The much-anticipated annual rAge Expo is bringing the gaming community together once again for the ultimate gathering running from 29 November to 1 December 2024, this time around at a new venue. If you love video games, technology and geek culture, this is the expo for you!
For the 2024 edition, you can look forward to a packed three days of esports tournaments, cosplay contests, jams and hackathons, VR, local gamers showcasing their latest games, and of course South Africa’s largest BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer/Console) LAN.
Michael James, Project Director of rAge, comments on the new venue: “The Johannesburg Expo Centre offers us the space and flexibility to make rAge even bigger and better, with more options for food, outdoor spaces to relax, and room for all our exciting activities.” Here’s all you need to know.
What is rAge Expo all about?
rAge, an acronym for the really Awesome gaming expo, has been running for more than 20 years and remains the go-to festival in Johannesburg for video gaming, technology, esports, and digital entertainment.
rAge Expo is a vibrant and inclusive gathering that caters to a wide range of interests, from gaming enthusiasts, technophiles and millennials to Gen-Z and fans of popular culture. This event is designed to bring people together and foster a sense of community, offering a variety of content and features that cater to diverse audiences.
Immerse yourself in a geek universe of digital lifestyle gear and merchandise, edutainment, innovative gadgets, creative arts, and smart home devices. Get ready to be swept up in the heart-pounding thrill of esports tournaments, where dreams are crushed, and champions are forged. Below are some of the highlights to look forward to.
What’s on at rAge Expo 2024?
The latest gadgets and product launches
Explore the latest emerging technology from virtual reality to the latest in on-site 3D printing. There’s also a firm focus on old technology including retro video gaming to classic arcades. Plus, the expo is saving a few surprises you’ve never seen before.
Gamers will also have the chance to grab the exclusive Roxy Mouse Pad—a fully washable, 900mm x 400mm neoprene pad designed to level up any gaming setup. Available for R598, this limited-edition item can be purchased online with tickets via Howler. Note these mouse pads must be purchased and collected at the event.
Connect with South Africa’s gaming community through BYOC LAN sessions
Every year, attendees eagerly anticipate participating in the BYOC LAN event. It is South Africa’s largest three-day, twenty-four-hour celebration of gaming. Gamers come together for this memorable in-person event, meeting friends old and new, and playing their favourite games non-stop on a massive shared network. Tickets for the LAN are sold separately and can be booked via Howler.
BYOC LAN Ticket Prices: General Pass (3-day LAN ticket): R950 per person | Super Pass (4-day LAN ticket): R1,250 per person
Flex your creativity with an epic cosplay
Cosplayers joining the event can enter multiple competition categories including a simple, baseline contest where everyone is invited to dress up and strike a pose on stage.
The Craftsmanship Competition is where the true cosplayers get to flaunt their creativity and efforts. The Craftsmanship Competition has four main entry divisions:
–Needlework Cosplay: Costumes which are 70% sewn or cloth
-Armour Cosplay: Costumes which are 70% armour (such as board, foam, cardboard, plastics, etc.)
-Festive Cosplay: This is for costumes which are festive in design and include both armour and needlework
-Skit Division: This is a fantastic variation where solo or group cosplayers get to do a small skit or performance with their costumes.
All cosplaying is also divided between Masters (the best of the best), Intermediate, Novice, and Youth (under 16).
‘People often worry that maybe their costumes aren’t good enough, or expensive or elaborate enough, but honestly, the community is not like that,’ says Jade Bayes, Head of Cosplay at GES. ‘Whether you dress up in simple items from your home, or you go all the way with a handcrafted costume, the cosplay community wants you to be involved,’ she says.
Bayes and her team have done a magnificent job of growing cosplay as a hobby in South Africa while expanding the events, and even digitising the competitions to make cosplay more accessible to all.
Go bold and embrace your inner geek in an inclusive space
Since its launch, rAge Expo has provided an inclusive space for geeks and gamers to connect and hang out with folks who share the same interests. The community-focused space is also a great excuse to tap into the pop culture lifestyle while exploring different fandom culture booths and displays where you can make new memories. If you’re into something a bit more chilled, look out for your favourite streamer or content creator and find out from them how to begin your own journey.
Take advantage of special rates at the marketplace
This gaming event in Johannesburg runs just before the festive season, and some great deals and specials are in store for bargain hunters. Browse a massive collection of specials on games, tech and accessories, or some geeky gifts for your loved ones. Also keep an eye out for geeky art and other fandom products made by passionate creatives in the Artist Alley.
The chance to WIN big!
Just showing up over the weekend could see you winning exclusives and freebies from partners, sponsors, and exhibitors at rAge Expo. Up for something a bit more challenging and competitive? Test your skills and unleash your competitive spirit with one of the many exciting competitions and giveaways.
A variety of esports tournaments will be live streamed from the event and you can watch professional teams compete in person or join in for casual competitions.
How to book tickets to rAge Expo 2024?
Tickets for this three-day gaming festival in Johannesburg must be booked in advance via Howler. The event runs at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, and discounted rates apply to students, scholars and families while kids under 7 years enter FREE. Larger groups can enquire and email at [email protected]
Cost: R200pp for a 1-day pass | R420pp for a weekend pass (3-day access) | R620pp for a family ticket (2 adults, 2 kids) | R140pp Students/Scholar valid for Friday only | Book via Howler
When: Running from 29 November to 1 December 2024. Friday and Saturday, from 9am to 6pm. Sunday, from 9am to 4pm
Where: Johannesburg Expo Centre (Nasrec), Nasrec rd, corner Rand Show Rd, Nasrec, Johannesburg
Website: rageexpo.co.za
Email: i[email protected]
Facebook: @rAgeExpo
Instagram: @rage_expo
See more interesting expos coming to Joburg
