The UK's biggest tabletop gaming event has smashed its own records!
UK Games Expo's 20th anniversary celebration brought nearly 88,000 attendees to Birmingham's NEC over the weekend, making the 2026 show the largest in the event's history.
Record-Breaking Numbers
Organisers confirmed total attendance reached 87,837 across the three-day event, with 51,196 individual ticket holders passing through the doors.
More than 800 exhibitors filled the convention halls, showcasing everything from board games and trading card games to miniatures, roleplaying games and hobby accessories.
The milestone figures comfortably exceeded expectations ahead of the show. Earlier this year, UK Games Expo organisers predicted around 80,000 total attendances and 45,000 unique visitors. Instead, the event sailed past both targets.
Bigger Than Ever
Visitors had plenty to keep them busy throughout the weekend. Massive gaming halls, major new releases, tournaments, painting competitions, live entertainment, roleplaying sessions and special guests helped turn the NEC into the centre of the tabletop gaming world.
The anniversary edition also occupied around 65,000 square metres of space, highlighting just how much the event has grown since its early years.
A Huge Moment for Tabletop Gaming
The latest attendance figures are another sign of tabletop gaming's continued popularity across the UK. What began as a relatively small gathering has evolved into one of the biggest hobby gaming conventions anywhere in Europe.
Following the announcement, organisers thanked visitors, exhibitors, volunteers, publishers, designers and staff who helped make the event a success.
With attendance reaching an all-time high and interest in tabletop gaming continuing to grow, UK Games Expo's 20th anniversary edition may have been its biggest yet, but it wouldn't be a surprise if next year's event aims even higher.
