After over a decade, Nvidia is reigniting the excitement of its legendary GeForce LAN party, a nostalgic callback to the golden age of networked gaming.
The last time Nvidia hosted such an event was 13 years ago, when gamers lugged their PCs onto a decommissioned aircraft carrier for an unforgettable LAN gaming experience.
Now, the GeForce LAN is making a grand comeback, and if you’re fast enough, you might secure one of the coveted spots.
The Return of GeForce LAN
The highly anticipated GeForce LAN 50 is scheduled to take place from January 4th to January 6th, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This time, Nvidia is taking the event global, with simultaneous satellite events in Berlin, Taipei, and Beijing. Promising a 50-hour gaming marathon, the event will feature contests, tournaments, raffles, and exclusive swag.
The LAN party kicks off at 4:30 PM PT on January 4th, but securing a spot won’t be easy. Only 400 slots are available for everyday gamers, and reservations open on December 16th at 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET.
A refundable $125 deposit is required to confirm your attendance, ensuring that spots go to dedicated participants.
Can’t Make It? Nvidia’s Got You Covered
For those unable to attend in person, Nvidia has crafted a virtual experience. Gamers who stream titles like Diablo IV, The Elder Scrolls Online, Fallout 76, The Finals, or World of Warcraft on Nvidia’s GeForce Now cloud gaming service for at least 50 continuous minutes will receive exclusive in-game rewards.
Additionally, Nvidia is launching a campaign called “GeForce Greats,” offering prizes as part of its celebration.
A Nod to Nostalgia
This latest LAN event marks Nvidia’s first since 2011, when it paused its annual tradition of hosting major LAN parties.
The company began organizing these gatherings in 2004, with the last major bash on an aircraft carrier leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
GeForce LAN 50 also aligns with the imminent launch of Nvidia’s RTX 50-series GPUs, potentially making the event a double celebration.
Fans are speculating that the “50” in GeForce LAN 50 is a nod to the forthcoming RTX 5090, RTX 5080, and RTX 5070 announcements expected at CES 2025 in Las Vegas.
The Legacy of GeForce LAN
Nvidia LAN parties have always been more than just gaming events—they’re cultural milestones for the PC gaming community.
From hosting Guinness World Record-breaking LAN parties to rebranding its gatherings into major tech events like the GPU Technology Conference (GTC), Nvidia has a history of bringing gamers together in unforgettable ways.
Even CEO Jensen Huang has shown his appreciation for LAN culture, making surprise appearances at smaller events, including one in Vietnam last year.
As gaming has shifted largely online, the nostalgia for in-person LAN parties has only grown stronger.
Books and media celebrating the era are rekindling memories of late-night gaming marathons and face-to-face camaraderie.
A Celebration of Gaming and Innovation
The GeForce LAN 50 is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of Nvidia’s legacy, the gaming community, and the future of gaming technology.
Whether you’re competing for a spot in Las Vegas or tuning in from home, the return of GeForce LAN promises to bring back the magic of PC gaming’s golden age.
Mark your calendar, gamers. The LAN party is back, and it’s going to be epic.
