It’s no secret that gaming conventions and expos have been struggling to recover from the impact of the pandemic, which forced in-person events to come to a halt. However, the Insomnia Gaming Festival has managed to make a spectacular comeback as the largest event of its kind in the United Kingdom. Although it’s not quite back to its pre-COVID levels, each iteration of the festival is improving.
Recently, I attended Insomnia 72 in Birmingham, the spring edition of the 2024 IGF circuit. It was my tenth year attending the festival, and I was impressed by the experience. While expectations are high for the upcoming summer showcase, the spring event certainly did not disappoint.
Why You Can’t Miss Insomnia
The Insomnia Gaming Festival is a must-see showcase for gamers and esports fans in the UK. It features exhibitions from top gaming companies, grand esports events, cosplay parades, and a diverse marketplace for gaming merchandise. The festival covers a wide range of competitive games in the esports industry, with tournaments and cash prizes for titles like Call of Duty, Overwatch 2, VALORANT, and more.
One highlight for me was the representation of Escape from Tarkov Arena at Insomnia 72, organized by HUNT. As a fan of the game, I was thrilled by the dedicated area for Escape from Tarkov players, which included tournaments and networking opportunities.
Aside from esports, the festival offers tabletop games, family-friendly activities, VR booths, career guidance panels, and much more.
The Ultimate Gaming Experience
Insomnia truly embodies the spirit of gaming. The festival exudes a vibrant atmosphere, with companies like Monster handing out free drinks and hardware companies hosting competitions throughout the weekend. It’s a fun and inclusive event where everyone can enjoy themselves.
I was especially impressed by the cosplayers at Insomnia 72, who showcased their talents in the ‘Cosplay Masquerade’ event. Watching them on stage was electrifying and entertaining.
I’m looking forward to returning to the festival in September for the next iteration, which will mark its twenty-fifth anniversary. It’s sure to be a fantastic celebration!
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