Polaris Convention 2023, a new favourite for gaming and cosplay enthusiasts around the world, witnessed an astonishing turnout over the weekend as more than 27,000 dedicated fans flocked to Messe Hamburg – and breaking a world record in the process!
The official Guinness World Record attempt, which was sponsored by TikTok, saw 492 enthusiastic cosplayers donned their video game-inspired outfits on Sunday, surpassing the previous record of 491, established way back in 2013 in Tampere, Finland.
The event, which completely sold out, saw a staggering threefold increase in attendance compared to last year – Polaris’s inaugural year as a convention.
The event not only broke a record, it also showcased the unwavering love and devotion of the community for cosplay and gaming.
The grand stage played host to a cosplay contest, where 2,000 guests eagerly watched and a panel of distinguished judges made their selections. Among the breathtaking cosplays on display, LazerLiz’s portrayal of the Junker Queen reigned supreme, earning her the coveted first-place title.
Here’s what content creator Jasmin Sibel aka Jasmin Gnu had to say about the event:
This was my first Polaris. I really liked the atmosphere and the diverse program. The event had a good size: I had time to talk to my community and to meet other creators and colleagues in a relaxed environment. I also love the huge cosplay area and it was cool to be able to admire all the elaborate costumes.
Polaris Convention boasted a wide array of activities, including cosplay showcases, gaming exhibitions, cooking shows, a nostalgic retro corner, captivating dance performances, insightful panels, and much more.
Furthermore, all three days were enriched with a streaming program on Twitch, attracting an impressive audience of over 200,000 viewers on the Polaris Twitch channel, a virtual lifeline for those who couldn’t be there in person.
The dedicated Polaris team has already embarked on the journey to bring you next year’s edition, scheduled for October 11th to 13th, 2024, once again in Hamburg. The promise is more exhibitors, a larger pool of talented creators and artists, and an even more spacious venue.
Exhibitors are encouraged to secure their spots early, and for fans, an early bird discount on three-day tickets has been made available. We’ll be watching out for Polaris Convention as it continues to set new standards for the gaming and cosplay community.
If you fancy going along next year, you can book your early bird tickets here and save.
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