rAge 2026 returns in November as full-scale gaming festival

• rAge 2026 will take place between November 27-29, 2026
• This year’s edition of the gaming event evolves from an expo into full-scale festival, encompassing esports, gaming, culture, anime, cosplay, interactive experiences and competitions
• rAge joined forces with Mettlestate to deliver this year’s elevated edition of the event

South Africa’s leading festival of gaming, technology, esports and geek culture, rAge Expo, is returning in 2026 with a new format, promising unforgettable experiences.

At rAge 2026, taking place late this November, esports fans, pro players, content creators, families and anime fans alike will enjoy a new, immersive and expansive format, marking the event’s biggest evolution since its foundation more than two decades ago.

The engaging gaming event returns in a new format

rAge 2026 is set to take place between November 27 and November 29, 2026, at Fourways Mall, Level 8 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

This year’s edition of the event will see it evolve from an expo-like experience into an all-encompassing spectacle that is expected to engage with young creators, families, technology enthusiasts, esports fans, casual players, as well as anime and cosplay fans.

Undoubtedly, rAge 2026 will offer something for everyone, from first-time visitors to frequent goers.

The organization of this year’s event is facilitated via an agreement between rAge and Mettlestate, which have joined forces for a strategic partnership focusing on rAge 2026.

The alliance enables rAge’s grand scale experience and cultural relevance, fuse with Mettlestate’s extensive experience in esports, gaming and live tournaments, to bring a unique and engaging experience.

rAge 2026 transitions from the standard expo format into a full-scale festival that focuses on gaming, interactive experiences, live entertainment and competitions.

The theme of this year’s rAge event will be inspired by retrofuturism, combining visual language and nostalgia.

This distinctive and creative identity will help rAge 2026 set itself apart, while honoring the rich heritage of gaming and culture.

rAge 2026 extends beyond a traditional expo

Michael James,rAge’s Project Director, spoke about the upcoming event, Casino Guru News learned from a press release.

"We’ve spent 23 years building one of South Africa’s most recognized gaming brands," he said.

Moreover, James pointed out: "Now we are taking the biggest step in our history. Together with Mettlestate, we’re creating something that extends far beyond an expo."

The executive added that this year’s full-scale festival commemorates gaming culture and showcases its next level of growth.

"rAge is no longer simply an expo. With Mettlestate in co-op mode, it is becoming South Africa’s premier gaming, esports, technology and digital culture festival that has the same legendary DNA with a bigger map and a premium new ally," James said in conclusion.

Barry Louzada,Mettlestate’s Managing Director, was similarly excited.

He explained that rAge 2026 represents a reinvention of what the popular gaming event can be.

"While gaming remains the beating heart of rAge, every part of the experience has been reimagined to reflect how gaming culture has evolved. Today’s gamers don’t just play games," Louzada outlined, saying that modern gamers focus on technology, follow creators and cosplay, as well as other related content that goes beyond the screen.

Finally, Mettlestate’s Managing Director, said the company is delighted to elevate rAge 2026 and help bring unrivaled experiences to gaming fans in South Africa.

Image credit: rAge