Spiel Essen sets a fourth straight record with 230,000 board game fans

[Arty Candle]

Board games are more popular than ever. BoardGameWire reports that Spiel Essen, the world's biggest board game fair, attracted a record 230,000 visitors from 22 to 25 October, its fourth record in a row

Attendance has risen from 193,000 in 2023 to 204,000 in 2024 and 220,000 in 2025, comfortably above the pre Covid record of 209,000. Every day sold out

Nearly 1,000 exhibitors from 53 countries took part, filling a record 81,200 square metres, the whole of Messe Essen for the first time, and a record 2,012 new games were released. Publishers reported booming sales, with Allplay's sales up 40 percent and its 450 copies of Enchanted Ivy sold out by 3pm on the first day, while Combo Games sold around 2,000 copies of Queen Alice

However, the fair has reached its limit. Carol Rapp, managing director of organiser Merz Verlag, said attendance will stay at 230,000 and that relocating is not on the table. The next Spiel Essen takes place from 21 to 24 October 2027

Record crowds and sales show that tabletop gaming is thriving, even as video games dominate headlines. Capping attendance should keep the fair enjoyable rather than overcrowded. Anyone hoping to go next year should book early

Have you ever been to Spiel Essen? And what is your favourite board game right now?

Spiel Essen hits record 230,000 attendance as publishers report booming sales - but world's biggest board game fair has reached its limit -boardgamewire.com