25th annual Midwest Gaming Classic brings over 40,000 enthusiasts to the Baird Center

April 30, 2026 - 21:17

The Baird Center was packed with over 40,000 attendees this weekend for the 25th annual Midwest Gaming Classic, a sprawling celebration of all things interactive and nostalgic. From the clatter of vintage pinball machines to the quiet strategy of tabletop role-playing games, the event offered a deep dive into gaming culture that spans decades.

Vintage gaming enthusiasts lined up to play classic arcade cabinets from the 1980s, while pinball designers showed off custom machines with intricate mechanical layouts. Nearby, Dungeons & Dragons dungeon masters ran continuous sessions for newcomers and veterans alike, guiding players through hand-drawn maps and improvised storylines. The convention also featured a dedicated area for "Star Wars" droid builders, where fans displayed fully functional R2-D2 units and other astromech replicas they had constructed from scratch.

Organizers noted that the event has grown significantly since its start a quarter-century ago, evolving from a small gathering into one of the largest retro gaming conventions in the country. Attendees ranged from families introducing their children to old-school consoles to competitive players testing their skills in tournaments. The mix of old and new, from Atari cartridges to modern indie game demos, kept the convention floor buzzing with activity across all three days.