Thousands of gaming fans descended on the NEC in Birmingham over the weekend for Insomnia the Gaming Festival, the UK’s biggest celebration of gaming and gaming culture. From curious first timers, die-hard fans, family groups to friends looking for a great day or weekend out, the festival delivered an unforgettable weekend of highlights.
Wednesday evening marked the start of the event with the UK’s biggest LAN party, echoing the event’s roots back in 1999, while the festival’s expo officially started on Friday.
Esports brands to feature in the exhibition included Endpoint and ITB Esports. EXCEL Esports partnered up with JD Sports to bring their impressive Beyond the Basement experience, complete with Foam Pit, Chill Station, and DJ booth.
The Esports Stage was home to a number of champions over the weekend. Eight of the best pro-esports teams battled it out in the ESL Premiership Autumn 2023, the longest-standing national gaming league in the UK. With €15,000 at stake, it was Raptors Esports Club who eventually went on to scoop the top prize and the coveted championship title. Clique Esports were crowned winners of The Valorant iSeries Challenge and Insomnia’s first all-women’s tournament, the Valorant Women’s Cup presented by XL and EE was won by Michelle’s Kittens. Nintendo also hosted the Splatoon 3 European Championship Finals with SPARK winning the trophy.
Elsewhere in the iSeries Open, League of Legends delivered an awe-inspiring showdown, with Cabbage Corp being crowned as winners. Known for its simplicity of concept and impressive skill ceiling, fans watched as Team HOSKY picked up the Rocket League title. While in The Team Fortress 2 (TF2) iSeries Open, Witness Gaming secured first place with an impressive performance.
Alongside the neighbouring Apex Legends Global Series, it was an action-packed weekend of esports in Birmingham. Jeremy Hunt, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, made an appearance to check out the Esports Arena highlighting the important role gaming and esports is playing in the UK economy.
The next Insomnia takes place on 28 March – 1 April at the NEC Birmingham. For information and updates please visit www.insomniagamingfestival.com
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