Pyrkon began in 2000 as a fandom meet-up in Poland; today, it is one of Europe’s largest multigenre fantasy conventions, routinely drawing 50 000+ fans to Poznań. Pyrkon 2025 is convention you shouldn’t miss, especially if you’re interested in wargaming.
Besides dedicated wargaming space, there are more than a dozen themed zones: literature, science, manga & anime, tabletop games, crafts, kids’ activities, and many more. There is around-the-clock content for the full festival weekend, turning the into a “fantastic meeting place” in the literal sense.
If you’re a wargamer, Pyrkon is definitely a place to see. The massive Gaming Hall dedicates entire sections to tabletop wargames like Warhammer 40,000, Age of Sigmar, Battletech, and Bolt Action, with battleboards, casual play zones, and official tournaments throughout the weekend. There are even tables and communities for independent games, such as quick-play sci-fi and fantasy ruleset One Page Rules, featured last year.
If you want to test new strategies, meet top-tier painters, or admire the army showcases, there’s non-stop action and community energy. Plus, the vendors’ alley is packed with rare miniatures, custom terrain, paints, and accessories – perfect for upgrading your forces. If you want to learn a new wargaming system, join a tournament, or enjoy some casual battles, Pyrkon is the ideal place to spend the entire weekend. With dozens of demo tables hosted by passionate communities and publishers, you can try out everything from classic titles to the latest releases.
When & where
- Dates: Friday–Sunday, 13-15 June 2025
- Venue: Poznań International Fair (Międzynarodowe Targi Poznańskie) – steps from the city’s main rail station and just 15 minutes from the Old Town Square.
- Hours: Gates open Thursday, 12 June, for badge pick-up (09:00-19:00) and then run continuously from Friday noon until Sunday, 15 June at 15:00
Notable Guests
Many of Pyrkon’s headline attractions are delivered in English, and the festival app lets you flag English-speaker-friendly talks and games. Here are some of the notable guests that you might know if you’re interested in wargaming and role-playing games:
- Chris Birch: The owner of Modipihius and the designer of Fallout: Wasteland Warfare and several other narrative wargames.
- Thomas Fryxelius: a game developer who, together with his brother Daniel (also on Pyrkon), designed “Wilderness” and a few other gaming projects.
- Justin Alexander: the best-selling author of “So You Want To Be A Game Master” book and the RPG developer who worked with Fantasy Flight Games, Modiphius, Goodman Games, and Steve Jackson Games.
- Grant Howitt: A designer behind “Heart: the City Beneath,” “Spire: the City Must Fall,” and “Eat the Reich” RPGs.
- Elaine Lithgow: a Scottish TTRPG designer who produced various Warhammer TTRPG supplements and Heart: The City Beneath.
Tips for Attendees
To make the most of your Pyrkon experience, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some tips to ensure you have a fantastic time:
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Plan Ahead & Get Tickets Early: Pyrkon is incredibly popular! Secure your tickets as soon as they become available. Tickets are also cheaper online than bought during the con.
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Study the Program (When Available): Keep an eye on the Pyrkon website for the program release. A handy online Pyrkon line-up contains the complete lists of activities and events (available also as a PDF), will let you plan your entire con in advance. It will be packed! Highlight the panels, workshops, tournaments, and meet-and-greets you absolutely don’t want to miss. Prioritize, as you likely won’t be able to do everything.
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Comfort is Key: You’ll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Wear your most comfortable shoes! Seriously, this might be the most important tip. Dress comfortably (unless you’re cosplaying, then power to you!).
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Pack Smart: Bring a sturdy backpack for essentials and any goodies you buy. Include:
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A reusable water bottle (stay hydrated!).
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Snacks (can save money and time).
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A portable phone charger/power bank.
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Cash (while many vendors take cards, having some cash is always handy).
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For Wargamers: If bringing miniatures for tournaments or demos, ensure they are packed securely for transport.
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Stay Hydrated and Fed: Convention excitement can make you forget basic needs. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and take breaks to eat proper meals. Con food can be pricey, so factor that into your budget or utilize those snacks you packed.
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Wargamers – Sign Up Early: If specific tournaments or ‘learn to play’ sessions require sign-ups, do it as early as possible, either online beforehand (if offered) or right when you arrive at the relevant zone. Spots in the tournaments can fill up fast.
So, gather your squads, plan your strategy, and see you across the battlefield (or at least the convention hall) at Pyrkon 2025!
You can find more information and purchase tickets on the official Pyrkon website: https://pyrkon.pl/en/.
