The 29th edition of Rikon brought together thousands of gaming, fantasy, cosplay and pop culture enthusiasts in Rijeka, marking the most successful edition in the convention's history.

From September 18 to 20, 2026, Rijeka's Exportdrvo venue became a meeting point for fans of gaming, fantasy, science, cosplay and creative arts. The 29th edition of Rikon welcomed 9,000 visitors over three days, exceeding its initial attendance estimate of 7,000 and setting a new record for the event.

As one of the region's major conventions dedicated to gaming and pop culture, Rikon 2026 offered a packed programme across three stages and seven programme zones, featuring 125 programme guests and 91 exhibitors.

Three Days of Gaming, Creativity and Community

Rikon 2026 brought together a diverse community of enthusiasts, artists, creators and industry professionals through an extensive programme of interactive activities, workshops, competitions and live entertainment.

Visitors could explore gaming and tabletop activities, discover independent artists and exhibitors, participate in quizzes and workshops, and experience the creativity of the cosplay and K-pop communities.

The programme featured 18 workshops, 13 keynote presentations, 13 quizzes, seven panels and two major competitions, creating opportunities for visitors to connect through their shared interests.

Among the international guests were Nick Dudman, an award-winning special effects and creature designer known for his work on Harry Potter, Star Wars and Batman; Polish illustrator Iga Oliwiak, recognised for her work on Magic: The Gathering; and South Korean dancer and choreographer Jay Kim, who led an exclusive dance workshop and joined the judging panel of the K-pop Dance competition.

Cosplay and K-pop Take Centre Stage

Cosplay and K-pop were among the highlights of this year's convention, bringing creativity, performance and enthusiastic audiences together.

The cosplay competition featured both Apprentice and Master League participants, giving cosplayers opportunities to showcase their craftsmanship and character interpretations.

Meanwhile, the K-pop Dance competition welcomed performers across kids, solo, duo/trio and group categories, further strengthening Rikons connection with the international dance and fan community.

A Growing International Audience

Rikon's appeal extended well beyond Rijeka. According to the organisers, 45% of visitors came from other parts of Croatia, while 20% travelled from international markets, including neighbouring European countries and more distant destinations.

The convention also achieved significant online visibility, generating over 3 million video views, reaching more than 960,000 unique users on social media and receiving over 85 media announcements and reports.

These results reflect the growing interest in Rikon and the communities that make the event possible.

Looking Ahead to Rikon 2027

Behind the three-day event was a dedicated organisational team supported by 67 volunteers, who contributed more than 1,900 hours of volunteer work.

With record attendance, an increasingly international audience and a diverse programme celebrating gaming and pop culture, Rikon 2026 has set a new milestone in its 29-year history.

The convention is already looking ahead to its next edition in 2027, promising another opportunity for fans, creators and communities to come together in Rijeka.