We were really impressed last year when rAge, South Africa’s Really Awesome Gaming Expo, reinvented itself with a new December date and venue (Gallagher Convention Centre). Well, the long-running and beloved event – which combines gaming, technology, esports, cosplay and geek lifestyle – is back in 2023, capitalising on last year’s successes.

Before we get to the exciting bit – we have tickets to give away! – here’s some basic information on rAge 2023:

  • Dates: 8 – 10 December
  • Location: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg
  • Times: Friday: 10:00-18:00 | Saturday: 09:00-18:00 | Sunday: 09:00-16:00
  • Day pass: R180 per person, R600 for a 4-person family pass (2 adults + 2 children aged 6 -18)
  • Weekend pass (3 days): R390 per person 
  • Kids under 6: Free
  • On-site parking: R25

Note: Ticket prices above exclude Howler fees. You can get your tickets online here, or at the door on the day with a slight price bump (R200 day pass, R420 weekend pass).

Have any other questions about rAge? There’s a handy FAQ here covering everything you could possibly want to know about the event, which, for the record, has been running for over two decades now.

Finally, here are some of the signature attractions of rAge 2023:

NAG BYOC LAN: A lot of acronyms there, but basically rAge hosts South Africa’s biggest all-weekend “bring your own computer” LAN. This year promises a larger space, more competitions, a dedicated restaurant, exclusive attendees’ shirt, and more. Here are all the details, including a link to secure your ticket.

Esports tournaments: Along with casual walk-in contests over the weekend, rAge 2023 will be hosting the Mamelodi Sundowns FIFA23 Championship for a second year, which features a R200k prize pool; as well as the finals of The Carry1st VALZA Cup for the nation’s best Valorant teams. Again, there’s around R200,000 in prizes.

GES rAge Cosplay Competition: This cosplay competition includes a unique Festive category, and is a great entry point for cosplayers intimidated by competing at the likes of CCA. Here’s the contestant’s rulebook.

Artists Alley and Retailers: rAge is a truly great place to pick up unique Christmas presents, as well as show-exclusive gaming and tech deals to set you up for the holidays, and beyond. It’s also around Artists Alley that you’ll find the Home Coded section, allowing visitors to get hands on with games developed in South Africa; as well as tabletop gaming.

Giveaway time

Thanks to the rAge organisers, we have 5 sets of day pass double tickets to give away for rAge 2023. The five winners will be selected by lucky draw. As this is a social giveaway, you can enter on Twitter/X here and Facebook here, by replying to the posts.

Entry is a simple word association game. Just reply to either social post (or both) with a positive word or phrase that you associate with rAge, e.g. exciting, hands-on with big games, fun with friends, great deals, esports. Sharing the post/s will earn you a bonus entry.

Terms and conditions

Please only enter if you will be in Johannesburg during the period 8 – 10 December 2023, and can get to Gallagher Convention Centre. Travel and related accommodation costs are not included with this prize. Entries close at midnight on Tuesday, 21 November. Max four entries per person (this includes bonus entries). Each winner will receive two tickets for the rAge 2023 day of their choosing – confirmed after the giveaway ends.

Good luck!