Every spring, the video-game and pop-culture universe descends on the Las Vegas Convention Center for LVL UP Expo, a massive multi-day celebration of competitive gaming, anime, cosplay, and community. Running from April 24–26, 2026, this year’s edition takes over the South Hall, turning the corner of Paradise Road and Desert Inn into a high-energy hub for over 144,000 anticipated fans.
What started as a regional tournament has evolved into a global destination. Following a record-breaking 2025, the 2026 expo is leaning into “Experience First” programming, blending massive esports brackets with intimate “creator-to-fan” interactions and high-production after-parties.
What to Expect: The Show Floor
Across three days, the exhibit hall functions as a 250+ vendor marketplace and a live entertainment stage. You’ll find:
- The Artist Alley: Hundreds of independent creators selling handmade merchandise, custom charms, and limited-edition prints.
- Retro & Tabletop: Dedicated zones for old-school arcade cabinets and a massive library of tabletop games for casual play.
- Indie Dev Showcase: A chance to play-test upcoming titles before they hit the mainstream markets.
The Guest List: Icons of Voice and Screen
The 2026 guest list is one of the strongest in the event’s history, featuring a heavy-hitting lineup of voice talent and internet icons, including:
- Hazbin Hotel Cast: Featuring stars like Erika Henningsen, Blake Roman, and Vivienne Medrano.
- Voice Acting Royalty: Matthew Mercer, Laura Bailey, Travis Willingham, and the entire Critical Role cast.
- Anime Legends: Junko Takeuchi (Naruto), Kazuhiko Inoue (Kakashi), and Chie Nakamura (Sakura).
- Pop Culture Icons: Michael Rooker and Sean Gunn.
Tournaments: High Stakes Gaming
Competitive integrity remains the heart of LVL UP. This year features some of the largest prize pools in the convention’s history:
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Singles: $10,000 Prize Pool.
- 2XKO Mixed Mode: $10,000 Prize Pool.
- Tekken 8: $5,000 Prize Pool.
- Street Fighter 6: $5,000 Prize Pool.
- Additional Titles: Brackets for Guilty Gear: Strive ($1,500), Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves ($1,500), and Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising ($1,000).
After-Hours: When the Show Floor Powers Down
The party doesn’t stop at 8 PM. LVL UP 2026 has partnered with major Vegas venues for official after-parties:
- Friday (18+): The Portal at AREA15 (9:00 PM – 2:00 AM). Sounds by Kotori and Assertive.
- Saturday (21+): KAOS at Palms Casino Resort (9:00 PM – 3:00 AM). Sounds by Borgeous, Slushii, and DJ SODA.
Pro Tip: A free shuttle service runs from the Convention Center directly to the Palms for Saturday’s after-party.
📍 Venue & Logistics
- Location: Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall (3150 Paradise Rd).
- Entrances: * Paradise Road: Near the Monorail Station & Silver Lot.
- South University Drive: Near the Vegas Loop South Station & Platinum Lot.
- Transit: Use the Vegas Loop for rapid underground transit between halls or the Monorail for Strip access.
💳 Badge Pickup & Pricing
- Early Pickup: Highly recommended on Thursday, April 23 (12 PM – 8 PM) at the Red Entrance.
- 3-Day Badge: $90 (Standard).
- VIP Pass: $225 (Includes 1-hour early entry, exclusive swag, and priority lines).
- Kids 10 & Under: Free with a registered adult.
🕒 2026 Show Hours
| Day | Hours |
| Friday, April 24 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday, April 25 | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Sunday, April 26 | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
🔗 Essential Event Links
- Official Website: lvlupexpo.com
- The central hub for guest announcements and schedule updates.
- Get Your Badges: Tixr – LVL UP Expo 2026 Tickets
- Direct link for 3-Day ($98), VIP ($241), and Single-Day ($55+) passes.
- Tournament Registration: Start.gg – LVL UP Expo 2026
- Essential for competitors entering the $10,000 Smash or 2XKO brackets. Note: Registration closes April 21, 2026.
- Official Guest List: 2026 Special Guests
- Check here for specific autograph and photo op pricing for the Critical Role and Hazbin Hotel casts.
🌙 After-Party Tickets (Online Only)
- Friday (18+): Senpai Squad x LVL UP at AREA15
- Featuring Kotori and Assertive inside The Portal.
- Saturday (21+): LVL UP After Party at KAOS
- Featuring Borgeous and Slushii. Includes free shuttle info from the LVCC to the Palms.
📍 Logistics & Transit
- Las Vegas Monorail: Official Route & Tickets
- Best for travel between the Strip and the Boingo Station at LVCC.
- Vegas Loop (The Boring Company): LVCC Loop Map
- Use the South Station for direct access to the expo floor.
- Venue Map: LVCC South Hall Interactive Map
