From May 30 to 31, 2025, Opatija will become the center of gaming through tournaments, games, exhibitors, and top guests at the Marino Cvetković Sports Hall.
The beautiful Opatija on the northern Adriatic will thus become the hub of gaming culture, easily accessible to gamers from all over Croatia and neighboring countries. The hall's spaces will be divided into zones and two stages with programs, ensuring a dynamic atmosphere throughout the event.
Expo Gameri 2025 offers an exceptionally rich and diverse program for visitors. Here are the main highlights you can expect at the fair:
- Gaming zone and e-sport competitions: Try out the latest video games on powerful gaming PCs and consoles and follow or participate in exciting tournaments of popular games (League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Tekken 8, EA Sports FC 25, etc.). The most successful players will win valuable prizes, and there will certainly be no shortage of tense matches.
- Indie zone – showcasing games by local developers: In a special independent video game developers zone, Croatian game developers will present their latest titles. You will have the opportunity to get to know the original games from the local scene and be the first to try out creative projects and talk directly with their creators.
- VR technologies and AR experiences: A zone dedicated to virtual reality awaits you, where you can immerse yourself in impressive VR games and demonstrations of the latest technology. Experience gaming in a completely new way – from simulator rides to futuristic VR/AR interactive experiences.
- International exhibitors: Major foreign publishers and studios from partner countries will also showcase their hit games and gaming equipment. This international dimension of the fair brings a touch of the global gaming scene to Opatija – expect booths featuring titles and gadgets that have caught the attention of gamers worldwide.
- Cosplay competition and show: Costume enthusiasts will be thrilled with the big cosplay competition. Imaginative costumes of favorite characters from video games, movies, and animated series will fill the stage – we can expect a true showcase of creativity and a spectacular cosplay show program. The best cosplayers will be rewarded, and the audience will enjoy vibrant performances.
- Retro zone: For a touch of nostalgia, there is a retro gaming corner with legendary old consoles and classic video games. Reminisce about hits from past decades and show the kids how games used to look – this zone takes us back to the (not so distant) past of gaming.
- Panels, lectures, and workshops: On two stages, there will be expert lectures, panel discussions, and practical workshops. Leading local and foreign experts from the gaming industry will share their knowledge and experiences through discussions on current trends, development challenges, and the creative processes of game creation. Whether you are a hardcore gamer or interested in how games are made, this part of the program brings a wealth of interesting topics.
This year's Expo Gameri also brings a series of special attractions that will further enrich the visitor experience. Every day of the fair, there will be contests, giveaways, and raffles – meaning the audience will have the chance to win valuable gaming prizes on the spot. In the evening, you can look forward to the big gaming quiz “Press Start,” the largest pub quiz of its kind in Croatia where all ages can test their knowledge of video games.
Additionally, for the first time, a B2B GAMERS event has been introduced – a special business conference for professionals in the video game industry. It will take place the day before the fair, on May 29, in Opatija, and is intended for game developers and gaming companies looking for networking and professional development (available with a VIP ticket to the fair). Expo Gameri thus combines B2C entertainment content for a wider audience with a B2B segment for the industry, making it a unique event of its kind in our region. The organizers emphasize that they want to build the local gaming community, support domestic projects, and connect with international partners – and this combination of entertainment and industry achieves that goal.
Expo Gameri 2025 is organized by the marketing agency Rivira and the Association “3. zmaj” from Rijeka, with the support of the City of Opatija, the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia, the Croatian Tourist Board, and numerous sponsors. This broad support speaks to the significance that the fair has gained even after its first year of operation.
Tickets for Expo Gameri 2025 can be purchased through the official website. One-day tickets are available for €15, festival tickets (for both days) for €25, and VIP tickets for €130, which include access to an exclusive VIP lounge. Visitors of all ages are welcome – from the youngest gamers to adult nostalgics. (Note: children under 14 must be accompanied by a parent.)
Expo Gameri 2025 promises two days of unforgettable fun and interactive experiences for all game lovers. Whether you are a passionate gamer, e-sports enthusiast, cosplay creator, or simply looking for a fun family outing – don’t miss this unique gaming event on the Adriatic coast!
