Comic Con Africa 2026 is preparing to transform Hall 6 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre into a 7,000-square-metre playground for gamers, esports fans and technology enthusiasts. Across four days, visitors can move between championship finals, free-to-play challenges, sim racing rigs, mobile gaming, major hardware displays and a retro arcade built for old-school bragging rights.
Gaming takes over Hall 6 at Comic Con Africa 2026
From 24 to 27 September, the festival’s gaming programme will bring together casual players, competitive teams, families and fans looking to test the latest equipment. The mix includes organised esports, public tournaments, new releases, consoles, mobile titles, shopping offers and hands-on demonstrations.
The scale matters: rather than treating gaming as a side attraction, Comic Con Africa is positioning Hall 6 as a destination within the festival. Visitors should allow enough time to explore the different zones, especially if they plan to enter a tournament or compete for a daily prize.
Telkom VS Gaming brings championship action
Telkom VS Gaming returns with national-level competition on its Main Stage. The programme includes the Top 8 CS2 Masters and Top 4 HSEL CS2 teams, bringing established esports competition directly onto the show floor.
Fighting-game fans also get a first for the event: a free-to-play Tekken tournament that visitors can enter at the convention. The broader Telkom footprint includes a Mobile Gaming Zone with daily spot prizes, an eDiski EA FC zone, Samsung Mobile gaming and a PUBG Mobile area.
This sits alongside the previously announced Next Gen Squad Cosplay Competition, giving Telkom a presence that crosses gaming, mobile culture and character-driven fandom.
EA SPORTS FC 27 and the Red Bull Wings Cup
The Red Bull Wings Cup will feature professional players competing on EA SPORTS FC 27. Visitors can watch the high-level matches and then try the title themselves in a free-to-play area, creating a bridge between spectator esports and hands-on participation.
Toyota combines digital and physical challenges
The Toyota Gaming Engine stand will offer Gran Turismo 7 on full-motion racing rigs, alongside Street Fighter, EA FC, Brawlhalla, Clash Royale and Subway Surfers. Daily tournaments, leaderboards, Beat the Pro challenges and prize handovers will run from the stand’s mini stage.
Toyota is also taking gaming beyond the screen. A physical Load the Hilux challenge will ask visitors to place oversized cargo into a full-size Hilux against the clock. A custom Hilux transformer character will move through the convention, with R15,000 in eGift vouchers linked to photo-sharing and naming activities. Visitors should check the official terms before entering.
Hardware, demonstrations and shopping
PC Builder and Computer Mania will operate an almost 1,000-square-metre retail space featuring gaming hardware and technology offers. Incredible Connection’s Xperts will advise visitors on upgrades, demonstrate new technology and run interactive challenges.
ASUS makes its solo Comic Con Africa debut with ROG equipment, VR glasses and ProArt tablets. Other technology and gaming names expected on the floor include Wantech, SMD, Prima Interactive, Honor and Amethyst Gaming.
Gaming for schools, students and future esports talent
RGB Gaming’s year-long school and university leagues reach their finales at the convention. Primary-school competitors take on Minecraft and Rocket League on Thursday, the Mobile Stars programme concludes on Friday, university teams compete in Apex Legends on Saturday, and high-school teams play Fortnite and Rocket League on Sunday.
The Mobile Stars final is especially meaningful: the programme has supported esports education for children from underserved areas, with prizes intended to strengthen the winning school’s esports capacity. Eduvos and Crawford will also be available for young visitors interested in esports education and career pathways.
Free-to-play zones and retro favourites
Otaku Town will host a Street Fighter free-to-play zone in partnership with Toshiba, with a daily leaderboard and a Toshiba television for one winner each day. Fanta will bring Halo on the Xbox 25th Anniversary Collection, a Call of Duty Survive the Sweep experience and a chill zone.
For players who prefer pixels with nostalgia, the Comic Con Africa Retro Gaming Arcade will recreate the energy of a 1980s arcade with classics such as Space Invaders and Pac-Man, plus Dance Dance Revolution, pool and an arcade lounge.
Plan your gaming day
Comic Con Africa 2026: 24–27 September 2026, 09h00–18h00 daily, Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec. Heritage Day falls on Thursday, 24 September. Popular stages, tournament registrations and free-to-play experiences may attract queues, so arrive early and check the official programme for session times and entry requirements.
Tickets are available through the official Comic Con Africa and Howler channels. Visitors should use authorised ticket links only.
Whether you are chasing a championship, comparing a new rig or introducing younger players to a classic arcade cabinet, Comic Con Africa 2026 is making gaming one of the biggest reasons to attend.
