UKGE returned in 2026 with yet another record-breaking attendance, and this year it genuinely felt enormous. With all five halls of the NEC being used, there was a real sense that the hobby continues to grow at an incredible pace. Everywhere you looked, there were gamers, publishers, retailers, designers, and curious newcomers all packed into what has become the UK's biggest celebration of tabletop gaming.

But enough about the numbers. What were the highlights for me?

Starting Strong

Let's begin with something that is usually a sore point... the organisation.

The ticket collection process was probably the smoothest I've experienced at UKGE. Usually, large conventions involve some level of standing around, shuffling forward inch by inch. Not this year.

Ticket collection was quick and efficient. The queues seemed to move constantly. Credit where it's due, the UKGE team absolutely nailed this part of the experience.

The layout was excellent too. The main exhibitors formed a huge arc stretching from Hall 2 through to Hall 4, creating a natural flow around the convention. Retailers, publishers, demo tables, and attractions felt well balanced throughout the space, meaning there was always something interesting around the corner.

Let's move on to the games

The first disappointment for me was trying to get a seat at Container.

For years, I've heard glowing recommendations from members of the board gaming community, and with auction games sitting firmly among my favourite mechanics, this was high on my must-play list.

Unfortunately, getting onto a table proved difficult.

There appeared to be only a single demo table running, with three available slots throughout the day. Considering the interest around the game, I was surprised there weren't multiple tables running shortened demo sessions, allowing more people to experience it. Many exhibitors do exactly that, giving players a taste of the game before they commit.

Still, there was a silver lining.

The standard edition was retailing for around £30, which felt like excellent value, so I decided to take the gamble and buy it without playing first. A review will be coming once I get it to the table.

The deluxe version, meanwhile, was pushing £75 before adding various extras, taking the total comfortably north of £100.

Personally, I wasn't convinced. The metal components looked impressive, but they also seemed to add enough weight to qualify as strength training equipment. Plastic will do just fine for me. If you're a deluxe edition owner and think I'm wrong, feel free to try and convince me.

Unexpected Gems

While Container escaped me, there were plenty of other games to enjoy.

One of the discoveries was Gruntz, a clever little two-player game that feels somewhat chess-like but wraps everything in a fun army theme. It's quick, tactical, and surprisingly engaging. If you enjoy abstract strategy games with direct player interaction, this could be worth a look.

Another standout was Burgle Bros 3.

I've always enjoyed the original. It's tense, exciting, and remains one of the better cooperative games I've played. The second game never quite landed for me. It felt slower and often left players wasting turns that didn't feel particularly meaningful.

The third instalment brings the energy back.

This time, players are battling AI enemies and collecting specific sets of program cards to overcome the system. It feels fresh while retaining everything that made the original enjoyable.

One member of our group loved it so much that she bought it immediately and even managed to get it signed by Tim Fowers himself.

Games I'm Watching Closely

Not every interesting game needs to be played to leave an impression.

I spent some time watching demos and gameplay sessions for Drillers from Czech Games Edition, Night at the Zoo from Tomáš Holek, and 12 Rivers.

All three looked promising, and each left me wanting to sit down for a full play. They're definitely games I'll be keeping an eye on over the coming months.

Indie Publishers Deserve More Love

One of my favourite moments of the weekend came from visiting Huff No More, a small indie publisher.

Mike has been a great friend to the Boardgamer team, and getting a chance to play his upcoming title Roller Disco was a genuine highlight.

It's a wonderfully simple card-shedding game that feels perfect for family gatherings, pub trips, holidays, or those evenings when you're tired of playing Uno, Whot, or dare I say it... Flip 7.

It's ingenious, quick, and just plain fun.

Mike also showed us Tricky Landing, a ridiculous dexterity trick-taking game where players must throw cards onto a target card from around 30 centimetres away.

It should not be taken seriously, and that's exactly why it's brilliant. And it also had incredibly cute artwork illustrated by his 7-year-old.

The game somehow combines classic trick-taking with dexterity mechanics and creates something unique.

Roller Disco is heading to Kickstarter this summer and is absolutely worth checking out.

We need more people supporting indie publishers. They consistently produce some of the hobby's most creative, charming, and delightfully unusual experiences.

Buying Smarter This Year

One thing I did differently this year was how I approached purchasing games.

Normally, UKGE has a way of convincing me that I absolutely need another dozen games. Then, six months later, several of them are leaving the collection after one or two plays. But this year was different, as I went in with a clear, disciplined approach to what I wanted.

As a huge fan of Devir, I had previously played through Covenant at a local board game cafe, and I loved it.

It reminded me of The White Castle in the best possible way. With only twelve rounds, every action matters. The game is all about creating efficient combinations, maximising opportunities, and squeezing every possible point from limited turns.

The theme of dwarves reclaiming their forge was certainly my cup of tea.

Alongside Container, my other major purchase was Deep Regrets.

As someone who enjoys fishing, I was immediately drawn to the theme. The game's strange humour and wonderfully weird presentation caught my attention before UKGE.

Designer Judson Cowan deserves enormous credit for creating something that feels genuinely different. He's a true creative. If you haven't seen the promotional video for Deep Regrets, go and find it. It's one of the best board game advertisements I've seen, and I'm all up for seeing more stuff like this.

My final purchases were aimed more at my wife than myself.

We both enjoy the occasional roll-and-write game as a lighter option at the end of a gaming night.

I originally hoped to find Three Sisters, but with the game currently out of print and the updated edition not quite ready for UKGE, I settled on Cascadia: Rolling Rivers instead.

It looks promising and I'm excited to get it played.

I also picked up Parks Roll & Hike. We played it on Saturday evening, and it turned out to be a beautiful and cosy experience. The production quality is lovely, and the inclusion of individual player books gives it a premium feel despite its relatively simple gameplay.

A Shout-Out to Chaos Cards

No UKGE recap would be complete without mentioning Chaos Cards. Year after year, they're one of my favourite retailers at the show. Their pricing is consistently fair, they're often willing to offer discounts when buying multiple games, and they're always a pleasure to deal with.

But this year, something else caught my eye. Their branding. As somebody who spent their career as a brand designer and strategist. I think Chaos Cards' new identity is fantastic.

It's modern, distinctive, and refreshingly different. In a hobby where many companies lean into the same visual tropes, Chaos Cards has created something that genuinely stands apart. In a sea of sameness, they've built a brand that feels recognisable and modern.

More Than Just Games

One of the best parts of UKGE isn't found in any exhibitor hall. It's the people. I managed to get several fantastic games played in Hall 1's open gaming area, but more importantly, UKGE once again brought together friends from all over the country. For a few days each year, we get to sit around tables, play games, talk about games, and occasionally discuss things completely unrelated to games.

And those moments matter. As much as I love discovering new titles, UKGE has become something bigger than that. It's one of the few times each year when a huge group of friends can all gather in the same place.

That's what keeps me coming back.

UKGE 2026 is officially complete.

It delivered great games, great conversations, and another reminder of just how vibrant this hobby has become.

Huge thanks to the UKGE team for putting together another fantastic event.

Now comes the long wait until next year, and yes... I'm counting down the days already. So UKGE was bigger, but was it better? Definitely! Every year it gets better and better, and I'm sure the best is yet to come.

Five Tips for First-Time Visitors

Thinking of attending UKGE in the future? Here's my advice:

1. Book more than one day

You just won't get enough out of UKGE in one day, the amount of stalls, games to play and social time demands at least a couple of days.

2. Get to Demo Tables Early

If there's a specific game you want to try, head there as soon as possible. Waiting times can quickly stretch to 30-45 minutes once the halls fill up.

3. Sunday Often Has the Best Deals

Retailers frequently discount stock towards the end of the show. Just remember that popular games can sell out surprisingly quickly though.

4. Set a Budget

Trust me on this one. UKGE has a unique ability to convince rational adults that they urgently need to spend a small fortune. Decide on a budget before you arrive.

5. Arrive Early

Parking felt busier than usual this year. If you can take the train, it's worth considering. Alternatively, and if circumstances allow, a nearby hotel can make the whole weekend much less stressful.

6. Bring Your Own Food

Food and drink prices are convention prices. Enough said.