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Tokyo Esports Festival 2026: All You Need to Know

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, along with the Tokyo Esports Festival Executive Committee, is excited to announce the details of the upcoming Tokyo Esports Festival 2026! The event is scheduled for January 9-11, 2026, at the Tokyo Big Sight, and aims to promote esports and related industries.

The festival will feature a variety of activities, from esports tournaments to exhibitions and engaging seminars. There will be something for everyone, including family-friendly experiences. Enthusiasts will have the chance to meet the official ambassador, Stanmi Japan, during special photo opportunities and fan meetings with professional esports teams.

Key Highlights of the Festival

Esports Competitions

This year’s competitions will include six exciting titles, featuring the first-ever incorporation of Street Fighter 6 and the eFootball™ series. The festival will also serve as the final qualifiers for the formal competition, Taiko no Tatsujin Don-Da-Full Festival. Returning favorites like Puzzle & Dragons, Puyo Puyo Esports, and Gran Turismo 7 will also be featured!

Industry Exhibitions

Approximately 50 exhibitors, including local small businesses, associations, schools, and indie game developers, will showcase their products and services related to esports. Visitors will have opportunities to experience esports first-hand at various booths, creating an ideal space for networking and discovery.

Seminars and Workshops

The festival will host seminars discussing the latest trends in the esports industry. Topics will range from community engagement to the educational and social value of gaming. There are also numerous hands-on experiences planned, such as programming workshops and crafting personalized fan merchandise like fans that support your favorite characters.

Tokyo Esports Game Development Contest 2026

A highlight during the festival will be the Tokyo Esports Game Development Contest 2026, showcasing finalists from both professional and student categories. Attendees will have the chance to vote for their favorite entries from January 9 to 10, with awards announced on January 11.

Fan Meetings and Community Tournaments

The event will feature several fan meetings, including those with esports teams like CAG OSAKA and FENNEL's Identity V division. The Obujiro Cup, a community tournament that gained immense popularity last year, will also return for participants to enjoy.

Detailed Schedule of Esports Competitions

January 10 (Saturday):

• - 10:20-14:10: Taiko no Tatsujin Don-Da-Full Festival
• - 14:30-16:50: Puzzle & Dragons
• - 17:10-19:00: Street Fighter 6

January 11 (Sunday):

• - 11:40-12:50: Gran Turismo 7
• - 14:00-16:00: eFootball™ series
• - 16:30-18:20: Puyo Puyo Esports

Special Events

On January 9, 2026, joining us for a colorful opening ceremony will be the MC Shinohara and ambassador Stanmi Japan, sharing insights on the festival's attractions.
Moreover, special exchanges with seniors through online competitions will facilitate meaningful interactions, highlighting esports’ role in inclusivity.

Food trucks, giveaways, and a chance to win fantastic prizes through a lottery will further enhance attendees' experiences.

Summary of the Festival

The Tokyo Esports Festival 2026 promises to be a dynamic event that caters to gamers of all ages and skill levels, fully embracing the culture of esports. Mark your calendars for January 9-11, and don’t miss your opportunity to connect with the gaming community. Entry is free, with advance registration required for January 9.

For more details, visit the official website: Tokyo Esports Festival

Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just curious about esports, Tokyo Esports Festival 2026 welcomes you!