It was a few days of pure digital energy, top-tier competition, and a wave of visitors that confirmed: Óbidos Vila Gaming is now one of the biggest and most exciting gaming events in Portugal.
The 2025 edition surprised everyone and exceeded all expectations, with an enhanced program that captured the interest of players, creators, families, and curious minds of all ages. The introduction of new gaming areas—new games, more dynamic activities, and side events—breathed new life into the event and attracted a crowd eager to explore the latest trends and technologies in the world of video games.
Reflecting on the event, Filipe Daniel, Mayor of Óbidos, highlighted the arrival of around 40,000 people in the town, stating that “in 2025, Óbidos has solidified itself as a national reference in the field of digital culture and interactive entertainment, with record attendance and a program that combined innovation, inclusion, and creativity. But we’re already looking ahead with the ambition to internationalize the event,” he emphasized.
“This initiative represents a strategic investment by the Municipality in valuing the creative industries, enhancing digital literacy, and creating opportunities for young people by connecting education, culture, technology, and entrepreneurship. We are already working on the next edition, aiming to strengthen the festival’s internationalization and integrate new immersive experiences, positioning Óbidos as a forward-looking creative territory where tradition and innovation coexist with ambition and a European vision.”
The Game Dev Sessions were another major highlight of the event, featuring high-quality panels with renowned national and international figures such as Jessica Monteiro from Pixar, Patrice Leymarie from IAMAG, and Christopher Hamilton from the International Game Developers Association (IGDA). Audiences filled the rooms to attend inspiring talks on game development, digital creativity, design, and innovation. A clear investment in education, critical thinking, and talent development. “Game Dev Sessions 2025 lived up to expectations, bringing together talent, innovation, and knowledge-sharing in a memorable event in Óbidos. Over four days, we brought major names from the world of video games and animated cinema to Óbidos, along with a surprise message from Scott Ross, a legendary figure in film and visual effects,” reaffirmed Tiago Colaço, curator of the area.
In terms of competitions, the eFADU Tournament, held from May 6 to 8 at the old Wine Warehouses of A-da-Gorda, brought video game showdowns to center stage, with the best university teams in the country giving their all in a thrilling competition closely followed by hundreds of fans.
On the eSports Stage, from May 9 to 11, Master League Portugal made its debut with the Iberian Counter-Strike competition, where several teams competed for the national title. Team Rhyno emerged victorious, claiming the title of ESC Online Master League Portugal XVI champions, in a tournament that reached around 193,000 streaming views.
The competitive spirit, combined with the exemplary organization of both tournaments, made these two of the most intense and celebrated moments of the entire event.
According to Ricardo Duque, administrator of Óbidos Criativa, the company organizing the event, “this was the most complete and ambitious edition of Óbidos Vila Gaming to date. Over more than 50 hours of programming, we offered 16 different activities catering to all types of audiences—from hardcore gamers to families and casual attendees. We had more than 300 gaming stations, VR zones, retro gaming, competitions, and plenty of room for free play. Public engagement was strong and consistent from day one. For 2026, we plan to surprise again with more initiatives and a stronger link to the educational side of the industry, welcoming diverse perspectives in the creation, production, and experience of video games and gamer culture.”
With such success, the return of Óbidos Vila Gaming in 2026 is already confirmed—and it promises to be even bigger, more innovative, and unmissable.
Óbidos Vila Gaming 2025 proved that Portugal has the space, talent, and ambition to dream (and play) big.
COMPETITION WINNERS:
NCS eFADU Tournament
Counter Strike 2 – Academic Association of the University of Aveiro
Rocket League – Academic Association of the University of Minho
League of Legends – Academic Association of Coimbra
Valorant – Academic Association of the University of Minho
ESC Online Master League Portugal
1st – Rhyno
2nd – Leça FC
3rd/4th – LA MASIA
3rd/4th – Iberian Soul
5th/6th – The Animals
5th/6th – Impulse GW