Moscow has rapidly emerged as a major player in the global gaming and esports landscape. From massive public expos and competitive esports tournaments to professional business summits and dedicated monthly competitions, the Russian capital offers a packed calendar for everyone from casual players to industry executives.
Here is your guide to the must-attend video game events in Moscow for 2026 and beyond.
The Crown Jewels: Major Gaming Expos
Comic Con Igromir (December 3-6, 2026)
Formerly known simply as “Igromir,” this event has evolved into Russia’s premier pop culture phenomenon. In 2026, Comic Con Igromir will take over the exhibition grounds from December 3-6, merging the world of video games with cinema, comics, cosplay, and music.
This year marks a significant shift: the festival is now organized by Yandex, one of Russia’s biggest tech giants, signaling a new era of investment and production value for the event.
- What to Expect: Major game publishers showcasing upcoming titles, exclusive developer panels, massive cosplay competitions, movie trailers, and merchandise vendors.
- Ticket Structure: General admission runs approximately 3,500 RUB per day for Friday through Sunday. Thursday is reserved for VIP guests and media, with VIP passes (access to all days) starting at 15,000 RUB.
Igroprom (September 18-20, 2026)
For those seeking a dedicated, pure-play gaming festival, Igroprom is the essential autumn destination. Now in its fourth year, this All-Russian Festival of the Video Game Industry has been running annually since 2023.
- Dates: September 18-20, 2026
- Focus: Unlike the multi-media sprawl of Comic Con, Igroprom focuses squarely on computer games, indie developers, and the Russian gaming community.
- Backing: The event is supported by the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives, highlighting its national importance in fostering local game development.
- Tickets: Significantly more accessible than its winter counterpart, daily tickets run approximately 1,300 RUB for Saturday or Sunday. VIP access (covering all days) is available for 10,500 RUB.
The Professional Hub: Moscow Game Week & The New Game Hub
Moscow International Game Week (November 27-30, 2026)
While the expos are for the public, Moscow International Game Week is the business backbone of the industry. Scheduled for November 27-30, 2026, this event is designed for developers, publishers, investors, and B2B networking.
The 2026 edition is set to be a landmark gathering, bringing together over 200 gaming industry experts from more than 20 countries. The business program takes place at the newly established Moscow Game Hub.
The Moscow Game Hub: A World First
A major development in 2026 is the formal opening of the Moscow Game Hub – described as the world’s only full-cycle gaming and animation development facility. This is not just a co-working space; it is a government-backed initiative designed to provide studios with everything they need to take a game from concept to global release.
Recent editions of Game Week have already attracted high-profile guests. Minh Le, the co-creator of the legendary Counter-Strike, headlined a recent iteration, proving Moscow’s ability to draw iconic industry figures -6. The event also serves as a gateway for international cooperation, with deepening ties between Indian and Russian gaming studios highlighted in recent programming.
Esports & Community Events: Playing the Game
BetBoom Base: The International 2026 Pubstomp (August 22-23)
For fans of Dota 2, the annual The International tournament is the Super Bowl. In 2026, Moscow esports fans have the ultimate way to watch it.
BetBoom, a major betting company, is transforming the classic “pubstomp” (a public viewing party) into a full-blown lifestyle festival. BetBoom Base: The International 2026 will take place on August 22-23 at the Design Zagod venue in Moscow.
- The Vibe: Expect giant screens showing the TI matches, but also gastronomic courts, interactive gaming zones, and live music concerts.
- The Goal: As stated by the organizers, the aim is to make esports a part of everyday urban culture, allowing friends to watch streams, listen to music, and hang out regardless of whether they play the game professionally.
Moscow Esports League (Year-Round)
You don’t need a stadium or a major expo to compete. The Moscow Computer Sports Federation (FKS Moskvy) runs a robust online and offline tournament system known as “Moscow Esports” .
Throughout 2026, this platform will host at least 140 tournaments with a total prize pool of 2.5 million RUB -8. Recent events have included open tournaments for Dota 2 and *Counter-Strike 2* on major holidays (like the May Day weekend), with free registration for anyone willing to compete.
In 2025 alone, 35,000 participants took part in these Moscow Esports tournaments. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, this is the most accessible entry point into the competitive scene.
Related Events: Toys & Family Entertainment
Mir Detstva (September 16-18, 2026)
While technically a “toys and kids products” fair, Mir Detstva has significant crossover with the family-friendly and educational gaming sector. Held at the Crocus Expo from September 16-18, 2026, this international fair attracts the general public and industry buyers interested in interactive entertainment, educational software, and board games for younger audiences.
If you produce kids’ content or gamified learning tools, this is an excellent secondary market opportunity to explore alongside Igroprom.
Russian International Toy & Game Exhibition (February/March)
Earlier in the year, usually in February or March, Moscow hosts the largest toy and game exhibition in Eastern Europe. Featuring approximately 300 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors, it is the primary B2B platform for traditional game distributors and retailers looking for the next big board game or physical gaming accessory.
Moscow Gaming Calendar 2026: At a Glance
| Event | Focus | Dates 2026 | Venue Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moscow Esports League | Competitive (Online/Tournaments) | Year-Round (140+ events) | Online / Various |
| Toy & Game Exhibition | B2B / Board Games / Retail | February/March | Crocus Expo |
| BetBoom Base: TI Pubstomp | Esports Viewing / Lifestyle | August 22-23 | Design Zagod |
| Igroprom | Gaming Expo (Pure Play) | September 18-20 | Skolkovo |
| Mir Detstva | Kids / Educational Games | September 16-18 | Crocus Expo |
| Moscow Game Week | B2B / Professional / Dev | November 27-30 | Moscow Game Hub |
| Comic Con Igromir | Pop Culture / Major Expo | December 3-6 | Timiryazev Centre |
Why Moscow Matters for Gaming in 2026
Moscow is not just hosting events; it is building a self-sufficient ecosystem. The launch of the Moscow Game Hub provides local and international developers a dedicated space to create, while the government-backed Igroprom festival ensures state support for the medium as a cultural force.
For international visitors, these events offer a unique window into a passionate market that has historically been underserved by Western AAA publishers. Whether you are a developer looking to partner, a publisher scouting for distribution, or a fan wanting to cosplay, Moscow is the place to be in autumn 2026