The biggest anime and gaming convention in Las Vegas turns 10 this year, and boy are they doing it big this February 17-19th!
When I say LVL UP EXPO is the biggest anime and gaming convention in Las Vegas, I mean it! No other convention held in the Vegas Valley compares to the wide variety of attractions, vendors, and cosplay. There is guaranteed to be something for everyone!
If you are into gaming, LVL UP EXPO offers free-to-play arcade games in their exhibitor hall for casual gamers. They also host a wide range of tournaments from console, PC, and retro games, so if you think you have what it takes in games like Mario Kart or Overwatch, head over to the tournament section of their site and sign up to compete!
If you’re like me and attracted to all things shiny, then the exhibitor hall and artist alley are for you! With 200+ exhibitors you never know what you’re going to find. One thing is for certain, LVL UP EXPO goes by the jury system so you know they are picking the best of the best. Some confirmed names you’ll see this year are Anime Gear Guru (exhibitor), Slybonsai (AA), Bow Peeps (AA), and Hamachi Harlot Art (AA). Don’t forget! The exhibitor hall is the perfect place to complete your side quest hosted by LVL UP EXPO too!
Another big attraction that is sure to bring a crowd this year is their special guest lineup. You can tell by some of the names they’ve pulled this year that they truly want to make their 10 year anniversary something special. Make sure you get in line early for names like Bryce Papenbrook (Eren, Cat Noir, Inoske), Steve Downes (Master Chef), Jason Liebrecht (Dabi, Zeke, Beerus), and Leah Clark (Toga, Blair, Mavis) to name a few. There are 30+ special guests, and we promise they are all amazing!
LVL UP EXPO’s cosplay contest sponsored by SHWA is always a major staple to watch, or even participate in if you like! This year there are 8 different categories to win prizes from, with the best-in-show winner taking home the grand prize of $2500! Applications are now closed to participants online, however, you can still sign up in person at their Information Booth by providing a QR code. Spots will be on a first-come-first-served basis.
If you still have a rush from the cosplay contest, then you should enter Jez Roth’s Lip Sync for Your Cosplay! There is no sign-up necessary in this interactive event, all you need to do is show up and participants will be selected from the crowd to go head-to-head in a lip sync battle! Brush up on your singing and dancing skills because you never know when the stage calls!
Speaking of stages, did you know that LVL UP EXPO also has live wrestling performances the entire weekend? That’s right! Wrestling has been a huge staple for the event for the past 5 years, so come pull up a seat aside the ring and cheer on your favorite wrestler and watch their stories unfold.
Another lively event that LVL UP EXPO hosts are their KPOP battles! If you have a crew that wants to show what you’ve got, then this competition is for you! Groups will be judged in 4 categories in a 1-10 point system on their showmanship, musicality, floor craft, and creativity. Anything goes in this dance cover battle!
The fun doesn’t stop there! If you’re someone who’s about the nightlife then you’re in luck because LVL UP EXPO has not one but two parties that you can go to. Join fellow attendees at the Hyper X Arena in the Luxor for their Kickoff Party on Friday. Entry is free but you must be 21 or older to attend, and again on Saturday located at KAOS Nightclub inside the Palms Casino Resort for their official after-party. Again, you must be 21 or older to attend, and tickets are currently available online, with table upgrades. The first 250 attendees will also receive a free drink ticket during Saturday’s event!
This year alone they’re expecting over 30k attendees, so make sure you get your tickets sooner rather than later! What are you waiting for!?! Snag your tickets today!
