rAge Nation 2026: Dates, Tickets and Esports
Formerly known as rAge Expo, rAge Nation 2026 is the new look for the country’s longest running gaming show. This year it moves onto the rooftop at Fourways Mall in Johannesburg for three days of esports, a huge LAN and plenty for families.
rAge Nation 2026 at a Glance
First, here is what you need before you go. Tickets are sold online through Howler, so book before the day and keep the email handy at the door.
Esports at rAge Nation
Esports sits at the heart of the weekend. The organisers list CS2, Valorant, League of Legends, FIFA and Rocket League, and Mettlestate, the local tournament company, has joined as a partner.
On the main stage, the Nedbank Mastercard Summoner Cup is a League of Legends event. In addition, Monster backs the Call of Duty matches, while Mettlestate brings the Kasi Flare and Varsity Esports finals.
Younger players get a look in too, because RGB Gaming runs tournaments for primary and high school teams. However, the full schedule was still to come when we checked on 11 November, so we will add the times once they are out. For the rest of the year, see our esports tournaments calendar.
The Orbit BYOC LAN
BYOC stands for bring your own computer, or console. More than 1,000 players set up in one hall and then play on the same network all weekend, with casual cups and prizes along the way. Also, a LAN pass gets you into the rest of the show.
These were the prices listed in August, so check Howler before you book.
Can You Bet on rAge Nation?
Not really, because bookmakers rarely price local and school tournaments, so do not expect odds on the rAge finals. Instead, the big betting action that weekend is in Singapore.
The PGL Major Singapore, a CS2 Major with US$1.25 million in prize money, starts on 25 November. As a result, its opening stage runs right alongside rAge. For teams, form and markets, read our CS2 betting guide.
Esports since 2026
Esports and live bettingRemember that rAge is a family show, but betting is for over 18s only.
What Else Is On at rAge
Besides esports, there is plenty more, so it works for a family day out as well. For example, these are some of the features the organisers and sponsors have confirmed.
Your Questions Answered
When is rAge Nation 2026?
It runs from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November 2026, from 9am to 6pm each day.
Where is rAge Nation 2026 held?
On the Level 8 rooftop at Fourways Mall in Johannesburg. You can park at the mall, or take the Gautrain to Sandton and then the MMS1 Midibus.
How much are rAge Nation tickets?
Day passes start at R220 on Howler, with discounts for families. Children under 7 get in free, while the BYOC LAN has its own passes.
Is rAge Nation the same as rAge Expo?
Yes. rAge has run for more than 20 years, and for 2026 the show is called rAge Nation, with Nedbank as headline sponsor.
Can you bet on the esports at rAge Nation?
Bookmakers rarely price local tournaments like these. However, the PGL Major Singapore starts the same week, and both Hollywoodbets and Linebet offer CS2 betting. You must be 18 or older to bet.
Photos: Fourways Mall by TapticInfo (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); LAN crowd from Pexels. Details from the organisers, Howler, Hypertext and Esports Central, checked 11 November 2026.