The first edition of Ep Games was inaugurated with great public attendance this Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Shopping Iguatemi Campinas. The event, which is positioned as the largest in the gaming segment within São Paulo, attracted a diverse audience, including children, teenagers and adults, who filled the space set up at P2 Deck Parking from the early hours of the morning.
The opening day schedule was marked by an intense schedule of activities that lasted until 10pm. Visitors were able to move around different thematic areas, participate in free gaming sessions on next-generation and classic consoles, in addition to meeting some of the biggest names in the country’s digital content creation scene.
The organization of the event highlighted the objective of creating a family-friendly and accessible environment, with tickets at popular prices and half-price options. Parte of the box office proceeds will be allocated to social projects that serve young people from public schools in the region, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to social inclusion through gamer culture.
Digital influencers are present and stir the public
The presence of personalities from the digital universe was one of the highlights of the first day of Ep Games. Creative Squad, known for being the largest Brazilian channel for stories created in the game Minecraft, mobilized a legion of young fans. The group members, such as Nait and Muca, participated in a long meet & greet session, where they served the public with photos and autographs. Direct interaction with idols, who accumulate billions of views online, generated long queues and moments of great emotion for young followers. Outro was a big name. Ele took the stage to share tips about the EA Sports FC game and participated in a panel about his career transition from the pitch to the world of e-sports. Lira stated that contact with fans validates his professional decision and expressed satisfaction with his trajectory in the competitive gaming scene, serving as an inspiration for many young people who dream of following the same path.
E-sports competitions move the main arena
The arena dedicated to e-sports was one of the most popular spaces at the event, with tournaments that attracted competitors of different skill levels. The Counter-Strike disputes, for example, featured the participation of family duos, such as brothers who faced each other in fierce elimination matches, elevating the friendly rivalry to a new competitive level.
Participants reported that the atmosphere of the event, with the presence of an attentive audience, added an extra layer of adrenaline and professionalism to the matches, differentiating the experience from casual games played at home. The organized structure for the competitions was praised by players, who were able to test their skills in a professional environment.
In addition to Counter-Strike, the festival program includes championships for other popular games, such as Street Fighter 6, Free Fire and Valorant. The finals of these competitions are scheduled to take place on the main stage over the next few days, promising high-level clashes and great entertainment for the public.
The participation of pro players, including Wendell Lira himself, in virtual football exhibition matches, enriched the competitive experience, allowing fans to watch elite players in action and learn new strategies directly from the best.
Technology and innovation with robot battles
One of the attractions that most caught the public’s attention was the robot combat arena, an initiative carried out in partnership with Instituto Nacional of Telecomunicações (Inatel). Nela, teams of students and robotics enthusiasts presented their creations in high-tech competitions, which took place inside a secure arena.
The activity served as a fun and interactive gateway to complex engineering, programming and electronics concepts. Representantes from the institution explained to the public the technical details behind the construction and operation of the machines, showing in practice how theoretical knowledge is transformed into functional and competitive projects.
The public closely followed each fight, cheering and being surprised by the strategies used by the teams to immobilize or damage their opponents. The attraction demonstrated the educational potential of games and technology, encouraging young people’s interest in careers in the areas of science and engineering.
Diversity of attractions beyond digital
The Ep Games demonstrated that the gaming universe goes far beyond screens, offering a robust space for analog games. An exclusive area was dedicated to board games and card games, bringing together families and groups of friends around tables for games that encouraged social interaction and strategic reasoning. Visitantes and biologist Marcelo Brandão praised the initiative, highlighting that these moments of digital disconnection are fundamental to strengthening emotional bonds and providing quality conversations between different generations. The variety of titles available catered to both experienced players and beginners, consolidating the space as a meeting and socializing point.
Another highlight that colored the festival atmosphere was the cosplay championship, held on the main stage in the late afternoon. Dezenas of participants displayed elaborate costumes, representing iconic characters from games, anime and pop culture. The cosplayers’ creativity, fidelity to detail and performance were evaluated in a daily contest that rewarded the best work. Além of the competition, the presence of distinguished people circulating around the event created an immersive and vibrant atmosphere, complemented by a special dressing room where participants could finish their productions with comfort and support, reinforcing the inclusive and celebratory character of geek culture.
Content and debates enrich the programming
The festival also stood out for offering a range of educational and informative content, with panels and lectures that addressed topics relevant to the gaming industry. Especialistas and guests discussed independent game development at Brasil, the challenges of accessibility in games and the diverse career opportunities in the sector.
These sessions attracted an audience of students, developers and professionals interested in deepening their knowledge. Debates on mental health in the e-sports scenario and the legal aspects of professional competitions were also part of the program, showing the maturity and complexity of the current gaming ecosystem.
Festival structure and organization
Mounted on the P2 Deck Parking of the Shopping Iguatemi Campinas, the Ep Games has a large and well-distributed structure. The event has two main stages, where the main competitions and presentations take place, as well as a lounge dedicated to recording live podcasts, allowing the public to follow discussions about the gaming universe in real time.
Free play areas with modern and retro consoles, a food court and stores with themed products complete the visitor experience. The organization of the event was planned to guarantee fluid circulation between the different attractions, providing comfort and safety for the large volume of public present.
Agenda for the next days of the event
Expectations for the continuation of Ep Games are high, with an intense schedule scheduled until Sunday, January 18th. The agenda for the next few days includes the long-awaited finals of the Free Fire and Valorant tournaments, panels with influencers such as Gordox and