Glitz and Glamour Await LGBTQ Gaymers in Las Vegas
If you’re looking for an amazing time, Las Vegas is the place to be.
Whether you’re here looking for glamorous locations to visit, or to soak in the atmosphere of what Las Vegas has to offer, there’s one thing that’s for certain: Your time will be memorable.
But Las Vegas is more than just the perfect destination for partygoers – it’s the perfect haven for gaymers and others within the LGBTQIA+ community. You just need to know where to look, and you’re lucky because we have just the guide for you.
Sin City Classic
This is a multiday event of the largest LGBTQIA+ sports festival in the world, and it’s hosted annually every winter by The Greater Los Angeles Softball Association in Las Vegas.
Sin City Classic originally started in 2008, and has since only grown bigger and better as the years have gone by – with nearly 10,000 LGBTQIA+ athletes attending each year. Since 2019, the event has been home to an esports competition too, hosted by our friends at Qweerty Gamers. In 2023, they hosted a Fortnite and Dead by Daylight tournament, keep your eyes on their socials to see what’s coming for 2024!
The best thing about this event is that you don’t necessarily need to be wildly athletic to truly enjoy everything the Sin City Classic has to offer. You can sign up for some of these sporting events as a beginner – especially good for those wanting to learn something new – or get sucked in by joining any of the various tournaments no matter your level of skill. What’s most important is that you have fun!
With the attractive backdrop of Las Vegas as an appealing getaway, what’s stopping you from grabbing a ticket to the prime LGBTQIA+ sporting event in 2024?
Major Tournaments & Events
In addition to the smaller, LGBTQ-focussed tournaments, Las Vegas will also play home to major gaming tournaments and events in 2024.
The world’s largest fighting game tournament, Evo, takes place July 19-21, 2024 in Las Vegas. Join tens of thousands of FGC fans as they descend on the city to watch established champions face off against unknown rivals. See online competitors build real life friendships. Discover a culture that turns newbies into lifelong fighting game fans. Everything you love about fighting games comes to life at Evo!
If tabletop is more your thing, then Magic World Championship 30 arrives in Las Vegas as part of MagicCon: Las Vegas on October 25-27, 2024. Watch as the top players of the 2024 season battle for the prestigious title of Magic World Champion. In addition to Premier Play, MagicCon hosts featured artists, panels and events on the Main Stage, vendors, immersive experiences, play experiences, ticketed play events like the Secret Lair Showdown and so much more!
The Phoenix Bar & Lounge
Sometimes you just want to lounge and vibe with people who can match your energy. That’s why we recommend the LGBTQIA+ hangout, The Phoenix Bar & Lounge.
Gaymer-friendly with a video game night every Tuesday, The Phoenix has a solid and well-earned reputation as being the star of the show when it comes to the LGBTQIA+ scene in Las Vegas. Plus, who doesn’t want to have a few expertly crafted cocktails while you demolish your opponent at Mortal Kombat?
And if you’d rather just chill and soak in the atmosphere, The Phoenix Bar & Lounge offers that too, with state-of-the-art light and sound systems and phenomenal entertainment like high-energy drag shows and video game tournaments. You know you want to be here.
Gaming at AREA15
The moment you step into AREA15 you’ll discover a multiverse of exciting entertainment, including a hidden bar, virtual reality (VR), arcade games, axe throwing, a mesmerizing and quirky show, as well as numerous events throughout each and every month that’ll keep you coming back for more.
There are multiple games for gaymers to jump into, such as Birdly – a VR flight simulator that gives new meaning to wind beneath your wings, and Brainstorm – an experience for all ages that’ll put you and your mind through its paces.
There’s also a full-sensory experience with the food and drinks offered at multiple restaurants in AREA15. Each one boasts a unique theme, with mind-blowing cuisine that will tickle your taste buds and revolutionary cocktails that aren’t just drinks – but pieces of art.
AREA15 also offers several immersive viewing experiences, with many corresponding with holidays and special events, like Pride!
And if you don’t want to miss out on any of the experiences at AREA15, then you have the option to choose between three separate tier experience passes – each with different attractions and experiences. It’s perfect for friends and family groups!
Arcade at Horseshoe Las Vegas
Gaymers, picture it: 80 arcade games in an area full of bright, urban neon lights and people enthusiastic to get their game on. Epic fun doesn’t even begin to describe it.
It isn’t just arcade games over at Arcade at Horseshoe Las Vegas, however. There are immersive and revolutionary VR adventure games from well-known TV, movie and video games, and even some of your age-old favorites like pinball.
There’s more fun for those who want to move away from the pixels. You’ve got Skee-Ball, the opportunity to shoot hoops, scoop up prizes, and even enter the haunting and terrifying House of the Dead.
And then, if you’re in the mood for some refreshments, there’s plenty to be found at the bar. Win-win!
Whether you’re 18 or 88, there’s something for everyone at Arcade at Horseshoe Las Vegas.
HyperX Arena at Luxor Hotel and Casino
A gaymer’s idea of heaven, the HyperX Arena Las Vegas provides it all: live entertainment every day, and the adrenaline rush of competitive events and gaming-related experiences that’ll have you coming back for more.
Visitors who come to the arena, either to participate in the amenities or video game play, are guaranteed to have the time of their lives thanks to the variety of video games available for you to hone your skills. Think Apex Legends, Mario Kart, and more.
What’s more, competitive play is highly encouraged and highlighted through a variety of HyperX Arena Las Vegas events – with some even offering monetary prizes up for grabs! Think about it: Who wouldn’t want to win $700 for throwing a banana at Mario on Rainbow Road?
Sandbox VR at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
Sandbox VR at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas is a futuristic VR experience for groups of up to 6 where you can see and physically interact with everyone inside, just like the real world. Inspired by Star Trek’s Holodeck, their exclusive worlds let you feel like you’re living inside a game or movie, and are built by EA, Sony, and Ubisoft veterans.
Located right off the Grand Canal Shoppes, step off a gondola and into a world of possibility where you become the action. Thanks to Hollywood motion capture cameras, 3D precision body trackers, custom hardware, and haptic suits, you get a feeling of transformation you can’t get anywhere else. You might forget you left reality!
These original worlds are meant to be experienced together with others. Whether it’s a journey to space or surviving a zombie ambush, gather your fellow gaymers and journey into this thrilling experience!
The Garage
The Garage, also known as The Locals’ Favorite, is the most popular gay bar around and is the place to be when it comes to soaking up that glorious atmosphere. It’s open 24/7, so, no matter what happens, you’ll always be welcomed with open arms.
The Garage offers pool tables, a dart board, and a shuffleboard table. With all that, alongside plenty of different events taking place night and day, what’s not to love?
And if you enjoy your time there that much, you can even take a little something home with you with The Garage merchandise. It has a variety of tees, as well as several styles of ball caps.
Downtown Las Vegas
Looking for a change of vibe from the mega-resort Strip? Get into a slice of history by heading to Downtown Las Vegas, the historical heartbeat of Las Vegas famous for block after block of iconic neon signs and marquees.
The Backyard Playground at Gold Spike features a variety of over-sized games, a main stage, tiny house, and bar. During the day, the Backyard makes for a fun hangout, and during the evening it transforms into an energetic nightlife venue. For even more queer fun, you’ve got to be there for Down & Derby, the coolest roller skating party on 8 wheels.
If you’re looking for a change of pace, ReBAR is a unique combination of bar, antique shop, and art gallery. ReBAR is a one-of-a-kind establishment that encourages patrons to “drink and buy.” Everything inside the bar, from the
furniture to the decorations, is available for purchase. With a fantastic selection of craft beers & cocktails, vegan-friendly food, classic arcade games, and board games, ReBAR is a must-visit destination due to its fun and quirky atmosphere.
Whether you’re an artist looking for inspiration, a gaymer seeking a new community and ways to game, or a tourist wanting to embrace all the beautiful sights Las Vegas has to offer, there’s plenty of glitz, glamour and gaming to be found. You just have to know where to look.
To find out more about LGBTQIA+ Las Vegas events, check out what’s going down for Pride and the latest drag performances you won’t want to miss!
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