PAX West 2021 marks the return for in-person game expos. The first return of the pandemic for the convention series, badges go on sale in the next two weeks for the West Coast’s most attended gaming event, taking place at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle this Labor Day Weekend, Friday, Sept. 3 through Monday, Sept. 6.
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Since the last major North American on-location gaming event, PAX East 2020, ReedPop, and Penny Arcade have canceled six consecutive in-person shows, prioritizing the health of the PAX community. Show organizers are working with venue officials, local governments, and health authorities to determine event capacity, which will be reduced, and ensure a safe setting. Detailed health and safety guidelines will be released in the lead-up to PAX West 2021.
Ahead of the West Coast’s premier celebration of gaming culture, PAX reveals the esports details for PAX Online East 2021, which joins forces with EGX Rezzed Digital, from Thursday, July 15 through Sunday, July 18.
PAX Arena partners with Metro Esports for a VALORANT amateur open tournament with a diverse competitor lineup and $10,000 prize pool. Quarter- and semi-finals take place Thursday, July 15 at 12:00 pm EDT, with the finals set for Saturday, July 17 at 12:00 pm EDT. Metro Esports will scout participants to create America’s first multicultural, mixed-gender pro VALORANT team called The Metro Squad and select players to compete in-person at the PAX Arena at PAX West. “I am beyond excited to partner with ReedPop and engage a broad and diverse community of gaming enthusiasts,” said Shaon Berry, Founder, and CEO, Metro Esports.
iRacing brings North American and European qualifiers to PAX Arena on Friday, July 16, with a $5,000 NA prize pool provided by iRacing and a £5,000 European prize pool provided by EGX. On Sunday, July 18 at Noon EDT, Beasley Esports, Owners of the Houston Outlaws, bring their Search for the next Rocket League Team to PAX Arena, with the top eight teams advancing to the finale on August 21-22, where one lucky team will be signed to a one-year-long contract to compete in the Rocket League Championship Series under an all-new professional team. PAX Online East also features the return of the digital Omegathon, pitting four attendees in a multi-round competition of secret titles, with a grand finale closing out the competition.
“It’s been almost two years since the last PAX West, and it’s been surreal to imagine its triumphant return,” said Jerry Holkins, co-founder of Penny Arcade and PAX. “I can’t think of a better excuse to leave the house than PAX West.”
Four-day badges for PAX West 2021 will run for $230, while individual Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday badges will go for $60 each.
Optional badges for PAX Online East are available now for $15, granting eligibility to compete in the digital Omegathon, a $10 merch coupon with exclusive pin availability, early Discord access, and more.
Media and content creator registration for PAX Online East is now available through Wednesday, June 30. Journalists, YouTubers, and Streamers will be able to apply for badges to PAX West 2021 later this month.
