Southern-Fried Gaming Expo

The 2026 SFGE Game of the Year is Winchester Mystery House Pinball by Barrels of Fun! Creative, challenging, weird, and most importantly, incredibly fun. Congratulations to David Van Es (pictured) and the entire Barrels of Fun team on this well-deserved award!

Do you think robots are cool? What if those robots were designed, built, programmed and operated by teams of high school students in 8 weeks? Located in the convention center Hall B, visit Ignite Robotics, a local FIRST Robotics Competition team, at SFGE to see cool robot action!

One of the biggest stresses in life isn't getting to the destination. It's finding parking. Well guess who has you covered? We do! With covered parking! Unless you park out in the street somewhere! Then it's not covered parking! It's just parking! Anyway, here's a map. https://gameatl.com/parking/

We are working hard to make sure you still have plenty of great places to eat during Southern Fried Gaming Expo. Here is the hotel Grab & Go options. Visit this page for lots of others: https://loom.ly/pUtX5j8

Come meet gaming celebrities, industry professionals, content creators and more at Southern-Fried Gaming Expo July 31-August 2, in Atlanta, GA! There's so much to do and play, you won't want to miss it!

Got the stomach to take home this year's Hotlanta Extreme Eating Challenge trophy? We have a hot pepper contest AND an Oreo Speed Run Challenge! Form is now live. Click the link to register and eat your way to SFGE glory! https://gameatl.com/hotlanta-extreme-eating-challenge/

The Renaissance Waverly has opened 15 additional rooms in the SFGE block! Rooms are available Thursday-Monday (or whatever you select), so if you missed your first chance to book, this is your extra life. A one-night, non-refundable deposit will be charged when you book. https://loom.ly/mwVFvMs

Unfortunately, due to an unexpected conflict, WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase will not be joining us at SFGE 2026. The good news? "The Million Dollar Man" is officially set for SFGE 2027! As Ted always says, "Everybody has a price." This time, everybody has a date! HA! HA! HA! HA!

Ian Russell has voiced 150+ characters in over 100 video games, including Abelard in Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, Locke in Payday 2 & 3, and roles in The Elder Scrolls Online and Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr. Meet Ian for autographs, photo ops, and panels July 31–August 2 at SFGE!

SFGE is jam packed with exciting things to do, but we're adding one more game to the convention! Crokinhole is returning. This 1876 Canadian board game will flick its way into your heart and soul. If you want to know where it's located at SFGE, just look for the massive crowd of frenzied fans!

Magic: The Gathering is coming to Southern-Fried Gaming Expo! We're excited to partner with Wasteland Gaming for an awesome weekend of tournaments, casual play, and an incredible MTG community. Bring your favorite deck and join the battle July 31–Aug. 2! #MTG #MagicTheGathering #SFGE #BoardGames

We're going bananas! Welcome Jenny Kidd to SFGE! Jenny is the voice of Young Pauline and Odd Rock in Donkey Kong Bananza and performs Pauline's songs. Meet the voice behind Nintendo's newest Donkey Kong adventure July 31–Aug. 2 in Atlanta! #SFGE2026 #DonkeyKong

Partnering with Carolina Games Summit, this year our video game tournaments are back with more systems (hello, Switch 2!), more tournament titles, and more fun than ever before! Over 15 games, a big Super Smash prize purse, Link to register now! https://gameatl.com/2026-sfge-esports-tournaments/

WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase has a special message for our SFGE fans. From heated rivalries to unforgettable moments in the ring, Ted has entertained millions and this summer you can meet him in person at #SFGE2026. Check out his message below, and remember... everybody's got a price!

Known throughout pinball as "The King of Flow," Steve Ritchie built his reputation designing some of the fastest, smoothest games ever. That made him the perfect choice to design Sonic the Hedgehog Pinball. Meet Steve at #SFGE2026 and see how his legendary flow brought Sonic's speed to pinball.

Arcade legend Billy Mitchell is back at SFGE! Whether you know him as the King of Kong, for Rickey’s hot sauce, or for that perfect Pac-Man score, his impact on gaming is undeniable. Welcome back, Billy!

Did you know that SFGE has a Discord channel? Get together with your friends and fellow gamers and talk about all things gaming! It's a great community to be a part of! Join us at the link below! https://discord.com/invite/CGKFT6wCnA

Ladies and gentlemen, the news you have all been waiting for... after a short hiatus, Cornhole is returning!!! If I was a hobbit my name would be Throwin' Baggins, cause that's how good I am. Best get to practicing! #sfge #cornhole

Today is International Axe Throwing Day! We're celebrating by playing our favorite classic arcade game with axe in its name - GOLDEN AXE. Play as Gilius Thunderhead and swing your axe at everything and everyone! Play Golden Axe and more arcade classics July 31 - Aug 2 at SFGE! https://gameatl.com

SFGE is one giant party! Bring some extra evening party outfits and make a statement cause ain't no party like a SFGE party!* *SFGE is not responsible for how rad you look and how hard you party, bra.*

SFGE is excited to host the Vintage Computer Festival Southeast at SFGE 2026! Speakers, exhibits and hands-on activities await you and it's included in your multi-day membership! Hit the link for more info! #sfge #expo #computers https://gameatl.com/vintage-computing-festival-southeast/

Today is national Say Something Nice Day. Tag your favorite gaming and pinball pal and send them a compliment! We'll be sure to give you one when you purchase your multi-day membership to SFGE July 31 - Aug 2! #game #games #compliment #bromance #streetfighter #xmen

Our VR Villa gives you plenty of space to make that jump from skyscraper to skyscraper, or run from 50,000 zombies. What you can't run from is all the fun you'll have doing it. Step into a world unlike any other when you attend SFGE 2026! Purchase your multi-day membership and don't miss out! #sfge

Discover everything you need to know about volunteering at #SFGE2026 at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel & Convention Center THIS SUNDAY, May 31 at 4PM! Find out what it takes to become an SFGE Trooper, get some behind-the-scenes info, & reunite with friends (or make new ones!). Plus...prizes!!!

Stern announced last week the upcoming release of Transformers! Fans of the Gen 1 series and toys will finally get their hands on an old school fight between the Autobots and Deceptions. Take a look at the game trailer! #transformers #pinball #sfge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J9JGgUiRlc

Not sure where to stay for SFGE? We have a list of hotels in the area so you don't miss out on all the fun. But who needs sleep, right? Here's a question... who would be the worst video game character to have as a bunkmate? https://gameatl.com/hotel/

Rumor mill: Code hunters recently discovered an image of The Goonies hidden within the source code of Spooky Pinball's Beetlejuice pin. Are The Goonies finally coming to pinball? Since a sequel seems to be wishful thinking, a proper Goonies pin can hopefully make up for it. #gooniesneversaydie

One may see this as a jumbled mess of controllers. Gamers see this as a button mashing art piece that should be cherished. What's your favorite retro controller? #game #games #retro #sfge

Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms out there! We hope you have the very best Sunday and we can't wait to see you this summer at SFGE. Mom's rule!!! 🕹️

Arcade cabinets from the 80s came in more than one size! Not only did we get the regular upright cabinets, but some games were also made in cabaret style dimensions to fit more games in (and for the kids). They also had cocktail tables! What size games will you play at SFGE? #arcade #retro

First it starts with a mobile game. Then it's consoles, then arcades, then pinball. Next thing you know, your child has an addiction to the awesome world of computers, video, and board games! Now through May 16th, get 'em hooked early with 10% off weekend memberships when you use code DEEPDIVE 10!

SFGE loves vendors! If you'd like to be a vendor at this year's show, head on over to https://gameatl.com/vendors/ for vendor registration information. We're looking forward to seeing you this year!

Will we have pinball at SFGE? Yes. Will we have lots of pinball at SFGE? YES. Will we have a multimegaton of pinball at SFGE? YES WE WILL. Snag your multiday membership and don't miss out on all the fun!

A cornerstone of the #WWE golden era, "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase remains one of the most recognizable figures in pro wrestling history. Meet the hall of fame legend live at the Southern-Fried Gaming Expo in Atlanta, July 31–August 2, 2026! #Wrestling

"Excuse me, can someone please tell me why this pin is so freaking hard? Hello!? Anyone?" Sir, heroes don't ask questions, they just save planets. Get back to it. What's the toughest pinball machine you've ever played? #pinball #expo #gaming #flashaaaah #hesforeveryoneofus

Using COBOL as if it were a second language, these kids would dominate their middle school science and computing courses. Now? They can enjoy revisiting retro computing when the Vintage Computer Festival Southeast returns this summer. Be the head of your class when YOU attend #SGE2026! #VCFSE #retro

The weekend is here! These hot sauce contest-chugging dudes at SFGE are always ready to game hard! What's your drink of choice when you're playing? #partytime #games #gaming #savethehotsauceforyourfood

As the battle comes to an end, one player emerged victorious. Defeating his opponents in both body and spirit, he enacts the legendary double fist pump, securing the win and devastating his foes. At SFGE, what will your victory pose be? #game #games #boardgames #doublefistpumpftw

We want to remind you that SFGE will dropkick you into next week with our massive entertainment offerings - including wrestling! Take a break from playing pinball and watch grown adults in tights beat each other up! If you were a wrestler, what would your wrestling name be? #wrestling #retro #nodq

Just because Formula 1 will be on its summer break during SFGE doesn't mean you have to miss out on any racing action. Buckle up and show off your skills against anyone and everyone with your three day membership! And remember, if you ain't first, you're last! #shakeandbake #arcade #racing

Weekends are made for letting your hair down and rocking out! And if you're having trouble finding good bandmates for your progrockdarkgotheasytechno band, you can find and play with like-minded individuals at SFGE! So tell us... what's the name of your arcade/pinball inspired band? #foodfighters

Ever thought to yourself, “I could run an awesome gaming panel?" This is your moment. If you have a great idea to add to our list of programming, we want to hear it. Submit your panel here: https://loom.ly/DjloRLs

Did you know? In April 1982 Universal sued Nintendo over Donkey Kong, claiming the game violated King Kong copyrights. Universal lost the case, and gamers are still trying to rescue Pauline to this day. You can give Donkey Kong what for* when you attend SFGE 2026 this summer! *No lawyers needed.

Our final special guest announcement for the 'FROM PITFALL TO POSEIDON - DESIGNING NEW RETRO GAMES FOR THE ATARI 2600' panel is none other than the legendary David Crane! The man who gave us Pitfall! will be at SFGE! Grab your three-day membership and don't miss out on meeting this gaming icon!

Our second special guest announcement this week for the 'FROM PITFALL TO POSEIDON - DESIGNING NEW RETRO GAMES FOR THE ATARI 2600' panel is game designer Dan Kitchen. Dan has produced over 240 commercially released games. Our final special guest panelist will be revealed tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Our first guest announcement for the 'FROM PITFALL TO POSEIDON - DESIGNING NEW RETRO GAMES FOR THE ATARI 2600' panel is game designer Garry Kitchen! Kitchen’s hit games include Donkey Kong (Atari), Keystone Kapers, GameMaker (1985), and Bart (Simpson) vs. the Space Mutants.

Atari 2600 fans are going to love this! SFGE is happy to announce the 'FROM PITFALL TO POSEIDON - DESIGNING NEW RETRO GAMES FOR THE ATARI 2600' panel featuring a host of superstar guests we'll announce this week. What's your favorite Atari 2600 game? Let us know in the comments! #atari #retro #games

Do you love board and tabletop games like we love board and tabletop games? Which is your favorite? Get your gaming fix and meet other board game lovers with a multi-day membership for SFGE! https://gameatl.com/ #boardgames #games #sfge

Join us at TOYLANTA this weekend! We'll be hosting a 3-on-3 Halo tournament on Xbox Saturday and will have several other classic consoles and games to play such as Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart, and more. Show us you're following us on social media to snag some swag!

SFGE is happy to announce award-winning voice actor John Patrick Lowrie (Team Fortress 2, LOTR, Halo, DOOM and more) as a special guest for this year's event! Meet John and all of our special guests when you purchase your multi-day membership! https://gameatl.com/