PAX West 2025 just wrapped up over Labor Day weekend! Downtown Seattle has changed a lot since 2020, and while it’s not always for the better, PAX seems be more fun and exciting each year. The event took over the Seattle Convention Center from August 29th to September 1st, and downtown Seattle became a gamer’s paradise for four whole days. It took place in both the Seattle Convention Center and the Summit building which expanded the experience in a way that seems to make up for previous years when actual PAX exhibits would creatively spill out onto the streets of downtown Seattle.
The expo halls were packed to the brim! Big names like Nintendo, Capcom, Bandai Namco, and Larian were showing off their latest games, but the indie side was just as strong. The PAX Rising Showcase had a ton of creative new games to check out. There was also the PAX Arena for competitive matches, tons of tabletop and handheld freeplay areas, and the PAX Together space that celebrated queer and intersectional gamers with community-focused events.
The Omegathon was quite a show. The last round was a Mario Kart World Grand Prix with neither of the finalists ever having played before! Prof. Pine from Shoreline, WA, pulled off the win and got free admission to any PAX event of his choosing. All the Omegathon matches raised money for Child’s Play, a charity that brings games and consoles to kids in hospitals.
I really enjoy PAX; it’s my favorite convention. I love both PAX West and PAX East. I wish they’d bring back South, but for now, these two are perfect. Even the Enforcers (the PAX staff) were super helpful and friendly, making sure everyone got where they needed to go.
In summary, PAX West 2025 was pretty sweet – big reveals, indie gems, competitive showdowns, live concerts, charity work, and that one-of-a-kind gaming convention feel that I’ve yet to see another match.
Enjoy the photos and see you at PAX East 2026!
