UKGE Boardgame Tournaments

Before I get stuck in, Amy and I have entered the Azul, Hive, and 7 Wonders Duel tournaments at UKGE. Come say hi or better yet, face us across the board 😊

When most people think of the UK Games Expo (UKGE), their minds jump to the halls full of traders, demo tables, and new releases. But for those of us with a competitive streak, there’s another side to the board game... tournaments.

Each year, UKGE plays host to a thrilling line up of board game tournaments, bringing players together from across the country to test their skills, make new friends, and sometimes even qualify for national championships.

Catan UK National Championship Open Qualifier

Among the most anticipated events is the Catan UK National Championship Open Qualifier. The top players from this event will advance to the National Championship Preliminary Round on 31st May. With the stakes high, it's a crowd pleaser.

Azul

Players compete in a game that’s as much about strategy as it is about aesthetic flair. It might look serene on the surface, but don’t let the pretty tiles fool you! Azul tournaments can be quietly cutthroat in the best possible way.

Chronikle Championship 2025

UKGE also hosts the UK Chronikle Championship. It’s a newer entry into the competitive scene, but its growing fanbase brings serious energy to the table.

Hive Simul

For something different, there’s the Hive simul, where Francesco Salerno takes on multiple opponents at once. For three consecutive years, Francesco has dominated the Hive competition at the Mind Sports Olympiad. Think you can beat Francesco Salerno? Do it, and you’ll win free entry to the Hive tournament at the Mind Sports Olympiad in London this August.

The beauty of boardgame tournaments at UKGE lies in their balance. They’re competitive, yes but also welcoming. Organisers and volunteers do an excellent job of creating a supportive atmosphere. Most tournaments are structured with accessible formats some even include learning rounds or quick refreshers before the first match kicks off. And of course, there’s always time for a bit of friendly banter between games.

If you're keen to get involved, visit the UKGE website tournament places often require pre-registration and can sell out quickly. Especially for popular games like Catan and Azul. Check the timings too, as some events run for several hours or have multiple rounds spread across the day.

Many players build their UKGE weekend around one or two key tournaments, balancing the structured play with time to explore the rest of the Expo. It’s a smart move you get the best of both worlds.

So next time you head to the NEC, consider joining a tournament table.