The largest gaming festival in western Austria returns with new formats, 10,000 visitors and a strong community focus.
On June 28 - 29, 2025 Messezentrum Salzburg will once again be the stage for Austria's gaming scene: LEVEL UP – The Gaming Festival brings eSports, cosplay, indie games, retro and community under one roof for the fifth time - with over 10,000 m² of interactive experience area, , three stages and a clear commitment to scene diversity.
eSports Stage: CS2, Valorant, Super Smash Bros. & Fortnite Action
The eSports Stage provides the setting for top-class competitions:
- The final of DACH CS Masters (CS2) brings Berlin International Gaming and PERMITTA live on stage.
- At the ESSL Valorant Meisterschaftpowered by MCI - The Entrepreneurial School, Austria's most talented students compete for victory - including €2,500 in prize money.
- LEVEL UP: BREAKOUT celebrates its comeback: The Smash community qualifies on site - the final takes place on the eSports Stage.
- In the Red Bull For The Win Qualifier Fortnite gamers battle it out for a place in the Vienna Showdown against the pros.
All matches take place in front of a live audience - with a gripping atmosphere, commentators and an eSports focus.
Cosplay & Creator on stage - for and with the community
With the new Cosplay Stage LEVEL UP creates a strong platform for show, expression and community: from performance contests and self-made competitions to panels and anime quizzes - cosplay becomes visible, creative and loud.
On the Raiffeisen Club Community Stage visitors will take center stage: local multiplayer tournaments, challenges against creators like Luigikid, LudeCat specials or Minecraft Live Challenges with VeniCraft will turn the stage into a community playground.
Indie Games, Retro, Tabletop & more
LEVEL UP also shows what gaming has to offer in 2025:
- In the Indie Games Area, curated by the FH Salzburg, independent developers present their latest projects - directly playable and close to feedback.
- The Retro Area, Tabletop & TCG Area and the Artist Alley combine analog play, collector's pride and creative gaming culture.
LEVEL UP sees itself as a platform for gaming in all its facets - not just digital, but also human, accessible and culturally relevant.
Tickets & further information at: www.levelup-salzburg.at
