So, you're trying to figure out where the purple-clad masses are heading this year? Honestly, if you didn't know TwitchCon has become a twice-a-year thing, nobody would blame you. It’s a lot to keep track of between the flight prices and the "who’s actually going" drama that seems to happen every single time.
Twitch is officially hitting its double-digit era. 2025 marks the 10th Anniversary of the first-ever TwitchCon, which, if you can believe it, was all the way back in San Francisco in 2015. To celebrate a decade of "POG" and "KEKW," the platform went back to its roots while also doubling down on its international presence.
The Short Answer: San Diego and Rotterdam
If you just want the quick "where and when" so you can book a hotel before the prices skyrocket, here it is.
TwitchCon Europe happened first. It returned to Rotterdam, Netherlands, at the Rotterdam Ahoy from May 31 to June 1, 2025.
TwitchCon North America is the big one for the stateside crowd. It is set for the San Diego Convention Center from October 17 to October 19, 2025.
San Diego is basically the spiritual home of TwitchCon at this point. After that weird (but fun) detour to Las Vegas in 2023, Twitch signed a deal to keep the North American event in San Diego through 2028. It just works. The weather is usually great, and the Gaslamp Quarter turns into a giant gamer hub for three days.
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Why Rotterdam Again?
A lot of people were surprised to see Twitch head back to the Netherlands for a second year in a row. Usually, they like to bounce around—Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam. But Rotterdam was such a hit in 2024 that they’ve decided to stay put for a bit.
The Rotterdam Ahoy is a massive venue. It's got that industrial, clean vibe that fits the tech-heavy side of streaming. Plus, the city itself is super easy to get around. If you’re coming from London, Paris, or Berlin, the train connections are basically a cheat code. You don’t even really need a car.
The 10-Year Anniversary Hype in San Diego
The October event in San Diego is where the "real" party is happening. Since it's the 10th anniversary, the keynote was actually pretty packed with stuff people actually wanted to hear.
CEO Dan Clancy showed up—likely in one of his signature Hawaiian shirts—to talk about the future. They're leaning hard into mobile. One of the biggest reveals was Dual-Format Streaming. Basically, streamers can now go live in both horizontal (for desktop) and vertical (for the mobile feed) at the same time. It’s a direct response to TikTok and Reels, and honestly, it's about time.
They also announced a partnership with Meta for those AI glasses. Imagine a streamer going live from their actual perspective while walking through the Loot Cave without holding a massive gimbal. Kind of cool, kind of "Black Mirror," but definitely the direction things are going.
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Who is showing up?
The "Who's Coming" list for 2025 is a mix of the old guard and the new "it" crowd. We're talking:
- Ludwig (Who always seems to have a massive project or tournament running).
- Emiru and the OTK crew.
- Fuslie and Valkyrae (Even if they aren't strictly Twitch-exclusive anymore, they're always around).
- bbnogames (He's actually headlining some of the musical stuff).
- Trixie Mattel (Hosting the Drag Showcase, which has become a staple).
What to Actually Do There
If you've never been, it’s not just sitting in panels. The Twitch Rivals Arena is where most of the noise is. You get to watch pros and creators scream at each other over Minecraft or Fortnite in person. It’s way different than watching it on a 24-inch monitor at home.
The Loot Cave is where your bank account goes to die. They sell exclusive 10th-anniversary hoodies and pins that people immediately flip on eBay for three times the price.
Then there's the Artist Alley. Honestly, this is the best part of the whole con. You get to see people who actually make the emotes you use every day. It’s way more personal than the giant corporate booths for Intel or Red Bull.
Real Talk: The Logistics
San Diego is expensive. There is no way to sugarcoat it. If you're staying in the Gaslamp Quarter, you’re paying a premium for the "I can walk to the convention center" convenience. Pro tip: Look for hotels near the Trolley line. You can stay further out for half the price and just ride the rail right to the front door.
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Tickets usually sell out in waves.
- 3-Day Tickets: Usually around $230-$250.
- Single Day: Hovering around $150.
- The "Early Bird": If you buy them months in advance, you usually save about twenty bucks and get a "10-Year Anniversary" pin.
Misconceptions and Reality Checks
People think TwitchCon is only for "famous" people. It’s not. Most of the people there are small streamers with 10 viewers or fans who just want to see their favorite community in the flesh. It’s a massive social mixer.
Also, don't expect to just walk up to a top-tier streamer and have a 10-minute chat. The Meet & Greets are done by a lottery system now. If you don't win a slot in the app, you’re probably not getting a selfie unless you catch them walking through the halls (and even then, don't be that person).
Your Next Steps
If you're planning to attend the San Diego leg in October:
- Check your Twitch email. They send out the "Matchmaking" and "Meet & Greet" sign-ups weeks before the event. If you miss that window, you’re out of luck for the official sessions.
- Download the TwitchCon App. It sounds corporate, but it’s the only way to keep track of the schedule changes, which happen constantly.
- Hydrate. The "Con Flu" is a real thing, and between the San Diego sun and the recirculated air in the hall, you’ll need it.
- Book the Trolley. Don't try to Uber in the Gaslamp during the con. It’s a nightmare. Use the public transit; it’s actually decent during event weekends.