The much-anticipated annual rAge Expo is bringing the gaming community together once again for the ultimate gathering running from 5 to 7 December 2025, this time around at a new venue. If you love video games, technology and geek culture, this is the expo for you!
For the 2025 edition, you can look forward to a packed three days of esports tournaments, epic cosplay, hands-on game demos, exclusive merch, local gamers showcasing their latest games, and of course South Africa’s largest BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer/Console) LAN (Local Area Network).
That’s not all either; attendees can expect a few brand-new zones this year, along with exciting surprise content. 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 2025?
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.
Connect with South Africa’s gaming community through BYOC LAN sessions
Every year, attendees eagerly anticipate participating in the BYOC LAN event.
Gamers will spend 50+ hours playing games on the same network, competing against and playing cooperatively with each other, swapping stories while slaying dragons, and questing together. This is where long-time online friends finally meet in the flesh, and new friends are made over the weekend.
Whether you’re dropping with your squad in Apex Legends, raging at your teammates in Fortnite, or fragging your way to victory in a heated game of Helldivers 2, the BYOC LAN @ rAge is a special experience, one where the online world and the real world come together for an unforgettable weekend.
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): R1250 per person
When: Thursday to Sunday, 4 to 7 December. Doors Open on Thursday at 6pm for Super Pass holders | Doors Open on Friday at 7am for General Pass holders. Doors Close for everyone on Sunday at 4pm
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 2025?
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: From R220pp for a 1-day pass | From R460pp for a weekend pass (3-day access) | R620 for a Family Day Pass (2 Adults + 2 Children aged 7 to 16) | Free entry for kids u/6 | Enquire directly about group bookings | Book via Howler
When: Running from 5 to 7 December 2025. 9am to 6pm daily
Where: Fourways Mall – Rooftop (Level 8), 11 Ruby Cl, Witkoppen, Sandton
Website: rageexpo.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @rAgeExpo
Instagram: @rage_expo
