BlizzCon 2026 Returns to Anaheim With Free Streaming, Esports, and More Than 1,300 Demos

What we know

BlizzCon 2026 will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center on September 12 and 13, bringing the event back as an in-person gathering. Players unable to attend will be able to watch a substantial portion of the show for free on the official Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch YouTube and Twitch channels.

The opening ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. PT on Saturday, September 12, with broadcasts running through 7 p.m. PT on Sunday. Blizzard says the coverage will add up to more than 117 hours, including the opening ceremony, panels, Community Night, and esports competitions. Some show-floor content will remain exclusive to in-person attendees, but Drops will be available through participating streams. Rewards will differ by game, stream, and platform.

Six stages and a packed demo floor

Programming will run across six stages over the two days. The schedule includes What’s Next panels, Deep Dives, special guests, cosplay contests, and five esports programs taking place concurrently. Blizzard has also confirmed more than 1,300 gameplay demo stations across the venue.

The main stage is moving back to Hall D, the Anaheim Convention Center’s largest hall, with more than 7,500 seats. It will host the opening ceremony’s major announcements as well as Saturday night’s Community Night. That showcase will feature art, short film, talent, and cosplay contests, along with a cosplay exhibition. Darren DePaul, the voice of Reinhardt, will host the cosplay competition.

Darkmoon Faire, Blizzard’s real-world recreation of the World of Warcraft attraction and a hub for pin trading and collectibles, is also returning. Located on the second level of the North Hall, it will cover more than 70,000 square feet, making it the largest version of the attraction yet. New activities include a simulated fishing pond, while pet adoption, Toy Capsule Depot, and the Trading Post will return.

The Hearthstone Tavern is expanding as well, with the Artist Nook, Doula Dev, and a 360-degree mocktail bar among its offerings. Blizzard Arcade will return as a retro-themed area featuring StarCraft, Heroes of the Storm, and games from the Blizzard Arcade collection. Diablo tattoo experience Hell’s Ink is also set to return.

Overwatch World Cup returns alongside a new Classic Cup

Esports will again be a major part of BlizzCon. The Overwatch World Cup is heading back to the arena, while World of Warcraft will host the Arena World Championship and Mythic Dungeon International. Hearthstone will bring in the Masters Tour World Championship.

The event will also introduce BlizzCon’s first Classic Cup, a point-based showcase featuring legendary players and led by community captains Tasteless and Artosis. Its lineup includes Hall of Famers such as BoxeR and Nal_rA. Combined esports prize money across the event will exceed $1.2 million.

BlizzCon will also bring back the March of the Murlocs on Sunday, September 13. The fifth edition of the community tradition is expected to draw 4,000 participants dressed as Murlocs, with emerald green named as this year’s official color.

Beyond the activities and competitions, the event will host two days of meet-and-greets across three halls with Blizzard developers, creators, esports players, and cosplayers. Blizzard says it will use all 1.8 million square feet of the Anaheim Convention Center for an edition that coincides with anniversary celebrations for Blizzard, Diablo, Overwatch, and Battle.net.