The **Gamescom** festival, a German gaming event, has unveiled a diverse lineup of esports competitions set to take place at the upcoming **Gamescom LAN**.
Scheduled for March 20th through 22nd in Cologne, Germany, this gathering will host 14 competitive events spanning multiple game categories.
Publicly announced **on March 6th**, these competitions are categorized into two levels: Tier 1 events will offer a prize fund of €46,750 (approximately £40,574), while the eight Tier 2 contests will collectively provide €3,500 (around £3,037) in winnings.
Dominating the Tier 1 lineup is a **VALORANT** competition managed by **Project V**, together with a **Counter-Strike 2** showdown overseen by **Berlin International Gaming (BIG)**. Additional contests include **League of Legends**, **Call of Duty**, and **Trackmania**.
The Tier 1 schedule additionally includes **Rainbow Six Siege**, which aligns with Gamescom’s recent partnership with **Ubisoft** to co-organize a competition within the framework of the **EML Challenger Circuit**.
The Tier 2 roster comprises **Battlefield: REDSEC**, **Call of Duty: Warzone**, **Age of Empires II**, and an individual **Fortnite** challenge where the sole survivor will claim the majority of the winnings.
Inaugurated in 2024, Gamescom LAN has evolved into a prominent gaming and esports spectacle in the area. It has incorporated more game titles and involves joint efforts with numerous organizations and online personalities, offering a platform for enthusiasts and hopeful competitors.
Expansion of Esports in Germany
Over the past few years, Germany has emerged as a preferred location for game publishers and event coordinators to stage significant competitions. For instance, **Epic Games** and **BLAST** are scheduled to host the **FNCS Major 1 Summit** in Düsseldorf this May.
Beyond merely hosting events, the German government is actively seeking ways to enhance its current ecosystem and supporting structures. In September 2025, a motion was passed to officially **classify esports as a non-profit endeavor**, alongside offering tax incentives for businesses aiming to grow and innovate.
In February 2026, **G2 Esports welcomed the Berlin Senate** to an industry discussion focused on the forthcoming landscape of Germany’s esports infrastructure. Key points addressed how the nation could evolve into a global focal point for teams and event organizers, as well as establishing facilities to foster players from amateur ranks to the professional circuit.
