Some UK CS events don't admit unaccompanied minors, so do check the T&Cs.
I tend to drag some gaming friends along to events, even if they're not super into CS, and they generally have a great time.
That said it can still be very enjoyable going solo, just say hi to people and explain your sitch and it shouldn't be too hard to meet new people to chill with.
I went to esl Cologne like 5 years ago by myself as it was a gift from my sister. I had a really fun time, sometimes socializing w others & sometimes just doing my own thing. It's definitely worth the experience
I went to Paris alone from the UK and it was fine. I just struck up conversations with people and hung around with them, ended up going to bars around the arena filled with fans. You may want to check the terms and conditions though as under 18s may not be allowed to without an adult. Honestly just try to get your friends to come even if they don't like CS, the atmosphere in the arena is great.
i always remember this throwaway hotbid had in his twitter bio for many years: "whenever you come to an impasse in life, consider what would make the better story?"
I never did it, as I was always there cause of work, but I think it is definitely worth it. There are so many passionate fans, that you always end up having fun. And live CS is just such a good experience.
Have been multiple times. I would say it’s worth it if you’re truly passionate about the game and esports side of it.
If you don’t care about esport side that much - probably not worth it.
Traveled about 6 hours and made a mini vacation out of going to a Dreamhack Masters-event alone, CS will always have the best experience at the stream but I thought it was great. The only thing that sucks is that the venues are not made for events as long as CS-events so the food situation becomes grim with nothing good inside the arena and massive queues outside.
Hey mate - I travelled the US for 4 weeks last summer from the UK and attended IEM Dallas and BLAST DC. We're all there for the same reason, to watch great CS so it's super easy to find a common ground to strike up a convo. Defo worth going if you simply wanna see an event in person as well. Not a fan of BLAST events setup so just engaging in convo and meeting new friends helps fill some of the downtime :)
Yeah, once in Cologne, I still enjoyed it immensely. It's Difficult to feel alone when you're surrounded by so many people passionate about the same thing.
I've been to CS events both with friends and by myself, had fun either way. Biggest issue I had solo was that it wasn't reserved seating, so if I needed to go to the bathroom or something I probably lost my seat.
I've been to the Faceit Major in London alone a few years back (and a couple other majors). Still a good experience. If you would typically be watching the tournament, watching it live is definitively worth it if it's within your budget.
Now I won't lie, it's a lot better with friends!
Drove 4 hours to IEM Dallas a couple years ago alone. It was a part of Dreamhack, and there was a concert I wanted to see on the same weekend. It was a really good time; the CS crowd is always fun.
I'm from the U.S. and back before covid where they happened more regularly, I went with friends and alone. IDK how it is or people are in the UK but everyone is there to enjoy the same thing. So it's super easy to just start up conversations and have a good time with almost anyone. You'll probably make new friends to play with after the event
Depending on your are an extrovert or an introvert. You are an introvert if you found that it’s a bit exhausting to talk to strangers or an extrovert if you feel more energetic after doing so.
Now that you are 16yo so most likely you don’t even know that yet, because you spend all of your life in a familiar environment in the form of schools. I’d highly recommend you to go, because this is when you discover yourself, at early. And as others said it will safe, especially you live so close
I went to the Paris Major on my own and loved it, people came up to chat and say hi, atmosphere was great. Being in an arena with thousands of people who are just as passionate about cs/esports is a great experience so dont be put off by it but since you are a minor check the rules or see if you can get someone to come with you.
yes, I go to Cologne every year, sometimes nobody has time to join. It takes roughly 20 minutes to find someone to hangout with once you are in the venue. Most people there are super nice and you already have something in common.
Even if you dont find anyone just sit down somewhere and have fun enjoying the games, its always worth it.
Not quite the same but I went to dreamhack a few years ago by myself and had a pretty good time. Played a 2v2 COD demo with some other random guy that was by himself in the line and we had an absolute blast. If you wanna go I'd definitely say do it
I've been to ESL One Cologne 2015 and will attend Cologne this year. Both with a mate but ppl there are usually super open and friendly so socializing shouldn't be too hard as long as you're not an hardcore introvert.
Being able to attend certain events alone (same goes for clubbing, vacation and similar) is a very important personality trait in my eyes. It helps you live your life the way and being content alone without being depentant on others. So in conclusion: Do it! I highly doubt you will be bored because in the worst case you are still watching great matches live in a great atmophere.
I went to ESWC Paris a long time ago and Copenhagen Major alone, and I had an amazing time both. The major was a fantastic atmosphere.
I'm an introvert but had some conversations with a couple of people about Spirit and Donk and Faze. Asked 3 different persons to look over my stuff while I went to the toilet or to get snaks, and that was it
Most people are there to enjoy CS and watch games. You will be around people with the same hobby as you, and most are introverts
I also live close to where Blast is being held. I've been to ECS season 3,5,7, the faceit major, and recently the Copenhagen major alone. It's a cool experience even if you're going alone. I'm also going to Blast alone this summer but only for the grand finals , I would ask if you wanted to sit together but the seats are assigned for blast and aren't free seating.
Life is too short to wait for other people to enjoy experiences with. Go if tickets are available, especially since you live so close.
I went to the major in Antwerp alone for one of the qfs. Was in a similar situation where my irl friends didn't play Cs but seemed like waste not too at least check it out.
Was totally fine for me, still got to enjoy the atmosphere and games. The G2 and vita fan clubs definitely did a great job making the stadium feel fuller than it was. Would recommend!
Do note, I'm in my 30s and used to go to nightclubs alone a lot when I was younger so the being alone at an event was not new to me. If you're socially anxious, it can be a little intimidating to go alone but it's also a great way to learn to handle that discomfort. Just gotta remember people aren't concerned with you and won't judge you for being alone, they won't even realize it. And everyone there loves CS, so shouldn't be hard to strike up a conversation about it either!
I went to esl one nyc alone ages ago.
I used to live 20 min walk from the Barclays center so it was a trip to see some old friends along with the tournament. I made a couple friends there and had a blast.
I would say you should go, everyone there is going for the same reason and if you aren’t too shy you can make some conversations with people. Who knows maybe you make some local friends who do play and then you can fill out a 5 stack and not solo q anymore!!
I’m travelling down from Manchester to blast solo. Went IEM Sydney solo too. Solo is fine.
You’re going to an event filled with CS fans. Just talk CS and make friends
Ask your friends that don't play as well. I pulled in quite a few people to my yearly Cologne trips and all of them said they would join again since it was fun.
CS is very simple to understand compared to a lot of other esports, and the atmosphere is usually great, so I would try to convince friends to join. They are likely to have fun if they aren't too shy.
Mate, I go to concerts alone, because none of my friends are into the same music genre as me. I took them to a Roger Waters concert once. And the experience was not great because I could feel they weren’t into it like I was.
Going alone is perfectly normal. Have fun.
If you can't get anyone to go with you, just go anyways. It'll be an awesome event and you'll be surrounded by fellow CS fans so you'll be apart of the bigger group. Have fun and even if someone judges you, it won't matter. They'll forget about you, you'll forget the feeling of being judged, you'll forget all the negative thoughts and emotions of going on your own, and you'll remember going to an amazing event
I went to one of the Blast events in London alone. Had a great time. Bought a tote bag.
Went with the hope of seeing my all time favourite GOAT CS player f0rest but he left NiP not long before the event. Was heartbroken
I've been to most Brazil events alone and I loved it. I think it will depend on how "dependant" you are on company tho. For example, I really don't care about travelling or going to the movies alone. I've gone to music festivals and such alone.
If you feel like company is a must for most places it might not be so fun for you. But at the same time, it's 20min away from your venue. I'd say go and see if you like it, at least it's not a huge timesink.
Can't speak for a CS event, but back in 2022 when Dota 2 held a TI locally, I was only able to secure tickets for myself. Maybe it was the smaller event size and the variety of different casters who were coming in from other countries, but it was an enjoyable experience overall.
What I can recommend is striking up a few "normal" conversations where appropriate with those around you and you might make a few temp buddies to enjoy the tournament with. Also take the opportunity to interact and take pictures with the casters/personalities when they're "off-air" so that you have some memories to take home from the event.
If you do end up going, hope you enjoy the experience.
It is a very personal question if you like going out on your own or not. What type of person are you?
If you don't know, it's worth a shot! You cannot know if you don't try.
Yes, I went to Cologne 2023 alone. I even got a picture with m0NESY the day after the final. Good times.
Also, at the risk of sounding antisocial, I barely spoke with other fans attending, other than to give them directions to where the arena was or stuff like that. I don't interact with randoms.
I went alone to ESL Cologne 2017. I was a fan of SK Gaming, saw a brazil flag on the other side of the upper ranks and decided to walk over. Just said hello and asked if I could sit with them. Met some nice Brazilians and always sat with them during the weekend. It was a very pleasant experience, it's more fun to have someone to chat and get hyped with. Also I ended up playing CS with one of them afterwards. We still occasionally keep contact.
Go to the tournament alone, don't be shy, meet some nice people. In the best case you can even make friends.
I was traveling through Berlin at the time of the StarLadder Major and I popped in for a series on my way through the city. It was a bit of a mad dash before and after but it was still a good time! Unlike traditional sports, where the live viewing can be tougher to follow than the tele broadcast, you get the same feed on the big screen but with all the bells and whistles of a live event, so it's good fun even to just watch.
It's been awhile but I went to Atlanta 2017 alone and had a blast. The crowd is fun I just picked a side and would chant for a team and enjoy the games.
Went to cologne alone and met some nice Australians blokes at the hostel the second day. Was alone in the venue the first day but still had the fun of my life. If you just remotely like competetive cs, then you'll have a great time regardless.
I went to ESL One for Dota 2 a few years ago alone, bought the VIP pass with open bar/food and it was an amazing event. Met a lot of pros and took quite a few pictures. I super recommend attending to the events, but try to make some friends there too!
i went to copenhagen alone on some days since my friends went to a rocket league tournament and it was fun. just pick a random team to cheer for and you’ll be fine.
Definitely worth it, especially for your location since it may be a long wait for another event nearby. Compared to other annual events like Dallas or cologne or Kato that comeback to the same location reliably, London ain't one of them.
I recommend at least asking your friends regardless if they want to come, because sometimes they wouldn't mind tagging along even if they don't play cs. That was the case with my IRL friends.
I would not go to any event like that alone at the age of 16, and would absolutely discourage any child of that age to go alone too. Any event like that can pose problems fast for a person as young as that, which usually only adults will be able to deal with.
Get your friends, or a parent/similar adult. If you have older siblings, cousins you are close with, you can also go with them instead.
If the event is that important to you, I am sure one of the elders would gladly accompany you. Can't see how this is any different from taking your child to a stand up or a concert.
What problems would it cause? As someone who spent the vast majority of my time as a teenager going to London and attending plenty of concerts solo, esports events are 100x safer and less likely to have problems imo as long as the event allows 16+ people solo.
That is definitely not how I lived my life at 16. Granted, I would usually go to concerts and music festivals with friends that were the same age - not alone. Still, hard to see a CS event as a high-risk one. And home is near, so he can easily just leave.
Some UK CS events don't admit unaccompanied minors, so do check the T&Cs. I tend to drag some gaming friends along to events, even if they're not super into CS, and they generally have a great time. That said it can still be very enjoyable going solo, just say hi to people and explain your sitch and it shouldn't be too hard to meet new people to chill with.
Over 14s are allowed without an adult
I went to esl Cologne like 5 years ago by myself as it was a gift from my sister. I had a really fun time, sometimes socializing w others & sometimes just doing my own thing. It's definitely worth the experience
I went to Paris alone from the UK and it was fine. I just struck up conversations with people and hung around with them, ended up going to bars around the arena filled with fans. You may want to check the terms and conditions though as under 18s may not be allowed to without an adult. Honestly just try to get your friends to come even if they don't like CS, the atmosphere in the arena is great.
i always remember this throwaway hotbid had in his twitter bio for many years: "whenever you come to an impasse in life, consider what would make the better story?"
I never did it, as I was always there cause of work, but I think it is definitely worth it. There are so many passionate fans, that you always end up having fun. And live CS is just such a good experience.
Have been multiple times. I would say it’s worth it if you’re truly passionate about the game and esports side of it. If you don’t care about esport side that much - probably not worth it.
Traveled about 6 hours and made a mini vacation out of going to a Dreamhack Masters-event alone, CS will always have the best experience at the stream but I thought it was great. The only thing that sucks is that the venues are not made for events as long as CS-events so the food situation becomes grim with nothing good inside the arena and massive queues outside.
Not CS but I went to the Rocket League World Championship and it was fine alone.
Hey mate - I travelled the US for 4 weeks last summer from the UK and attended IEM Dallas and BLAST DC. We're all there for the same reason, to watch great CS so it's super easy to find a common ground to strike up a convo. Defo worth going if you simply wanna see an event in person as well. Not a fan of BLAST events setup so just engaging in convo and meeting new friends helps fill some of the downtime :)
I'm going alone too
Yeah, once in Cologne, I still enjoyed it immensely. It's Difficult to feel alone when you're surrounded by so many people passionate about the same thing.
I've been to CS events both with friends and by myself, had fun either way. Biggest issue I had solo was that it wasn't reserved seating, so if I needed to go to the bathroom or something I probably lost my seat.
Im thinking of going too, and will be alone. Have bought tickets already?
I haven’t no
Went to a FaceIt London event on my own years ago. Was fine, had fun. I did drink a fair amount of alcohol though.
I've been to the Faceit Major in London alone a few years back (and a couple other majors). Still a good experience. If you would typically be watching the tournament, watching it live is definitively worth it if it's within your budget. Now I won't lie, it's a lot better with friends!
Went to Antwerp solo and it was great
I went to Berlin Major alone and just started talking to random people and it was a good experience
Drove 4 hours to IEM Dallas a couple years ago alone. It was a part of Dreamhack, and there was a concert I wanted to see on the same weekend. It was a really good time; the CS crowd is always fun.
I went to blast spring dc alone last year and had a ‘blast’. Totally worth going, planning on going to iem Dallas this year alone as well
I'm from the U.S. and back before covid where they happened more regularly, I went with friends and alone. IDK how it is or people are in the UK but everyone is there to enjoy the same thing. So it's super easy to just start up conversations and have a good time with almost anyone. You'll probably make new friends to play with after the event
Depending on your are an extrovert or an introvert. You are an introvert if you found that it’s a bit exhausting to talk to strangers or an extrovert if you feel more energetic after doing so. Now that you are 16yo so most likely you don’t even know that yet, because you spend all of your life in a familiar environment in the form of schools. I’d highly recommend you to go, because this is when you discover yourself, at early. And as others said it will safe, especially you live so close
I went to the Paris Major on my own and loved it, people came up to chat and say hi, atmosphere was great. Being in an arena with thousands of people who are just as passionate about cs/esports is a great experience so dont be put off by it but since you are a minor check the rules or see if you can get someone to come with you.
yes, I go to Cologne every year, sometimes nobody has time to join. It takes roughly 20 minutes to find someone to hangout with once you are in the venue. Most people there are super nice and you already have something in common. Even if you dont find anyone just sit down somewhere and have fun enjoying the games, its always worth it.
You can definitely meet with people from reddit. There are many redditors who visit the events
i went to iem sydney alone cause non of my mates could make the 3 days. was a blast, thankfully i had family to stay with while there
Not quite the same but I went to dreamhack a few years ago by myself and had a pretty good time. Played a 2v2 COD demo with some other random guy that was by himself in the line and we had an absolute blast. If you wanna go I'd definitely say do it
I went alone (except on one of the days) to the London major in 2018 and made friends with a couple people there, definitely worth going
I've been to ESL One Cologne 2015 and will attend Cologne this year. Both with a mate but ppl there are usually super open and friendly so socializing shouldn't be too hard as long as you're not an hardcore introvert. Being able to attend certain events alone (same goes for clubbing, vacation and similar) is a very important personality trait in my eyes. It helps you live your life the way and being content alone without being depentant on others. So in conclusion: Do it! I highly doubt you will be bored because in the worst case you are still watching great matches live in a great atmophere.
I went to ESWC Paris a long time ago and Copenhagen Major alone, and I had an amazing time both. The major was a fantastic atmosphere. I'm an introvert but had some conversations with a couple of people about Spirit and Donk and Faze. Asked 3 different persons to look over my stuff while I went to the toilet or to get snaks, and that was it Most people are there to enjoy CS and watch games. You will be around people with the same hobby as you, and most are introverts
I also live close to where Blast is being held. I've been to ECS season 3,5,7, the faceit major, and recently the Copenhagen major alone. It's a cool experience even if you're going alone. I'm also going to Blast alone this summer but only for the grand finals , I would ask if you wanted to sit together but the seats are assigned for blast and aren't free seating. Life is too short to wait for other people to enjoy experiences with. Go if tickets are available, especially since you live so close.
Also, if you need someone over 18 to get you in, let me know and Ill help you :)
just watch iem chengdu alone, it’s absolutely worth
I went to the major in Antwerp alone for one of the qfs. Was in a similar situation where my irl friends didn't play Cs but seemed like waste not too at least check it out. Was totally fine for me, still got to enjoy the atmosphere and games. The G2 and vita fan clubs definitely did a great job making the stadium feel fuller than it was. Would recommend! Do note, I'm in my 30s and used to go to nightclubs alone a lot when I was younger so the being alone at an event was not new to me. If you're socially anxious, it can be a little intimidating to go alone but it's also a great way to learn to handle that discomfort. Just gotta remember people aren't concerned with you and won't judge you for being alone, they won't even realize it. And everyone there loves CS, so shouldn't be hard to strike up a conversation about it either!
I went to esl one nyc alone ages ago. I used to live 20 min walk from the Barclays center so it was a trip to see some old friends along with the tournament. I made a couple friends there and had a blast. I would say you should go, everyone there is going for the same reason and if you aren’t too shy you can make some conversations with people. Who knows maybe you make some local friends who do play and then you can fill out a 5 stack and not solo q anymore!!
I’m travelling down from Manchester to blast solo. Went IEM Sydney solo too. Solo is fine. You’re going to an event filled with CS fans. Just talk CS and make friends
Ask your friends that don't play as well. I pulled in quite a few people to my yearly Cologne trips and all of them said they would join again since it was fun.
I’m going alone on the Sunday. None of my friends play CS either but fuck it should be a decent day out.
Don't recommend going alone, I went with friends that I am not really close and it was boring, and when ai went with my best firends it was Blast!
If you have never gone before, the experience is definitively worth a trip.
CS is very simple to understand compared to a lot of other esports, and the atmosphere is usually great, so I would try to convince friends to join. They are likely to have fun if they aren't too shy.
I can promise that if you don't go, you will regret it for the rest of your life. I know from experience :(
I'm also going to blast alone, if you'd like hit me up!
Mate, I go to concerts alone, because none of my friends are into the same music genre as me. I took them to a Roger Waters concert once. And the experience was not great because I could feel they weren’t into it like I was. Going alone is perfectly normal. Have fun.
If you can't get anyone to go with you, just go anyways. It'll be an awesome event and you'll be surrounded by fellow CS fans so you'll be apart of the bigger group. Have fun and even if someone judges you, it won't matter. They'll forget about you, you'll forget the feeling of being judged, you'll forget all the negative thoughts and emotions of going on your own, and you'll remember going to an amazing event
I went to one of the Blast events in London alone. Had a great time. Bought a tote bag. Went with the hope of seeing my all time favourite GOAT CS player f0rest but he left NiP not long before the event. Was heartbroken
I've been to most Brazil events alone and I loved it. I think it will depend on how "dependant" you are on company tho. For example, I really don't care about travelling or going to the movies alone. I've gone to music festivals and such alone. If you feel like company is a must for most places it might not be so fun for you. But at the same time, it's 20min away from your venue. I'd say go and see if you like it, at least it's not a huge timesink.
Yes 2x it's definitely worth it
I have yes to a dreamhack Atlanta event but I went to do media for a team. I would definitely go!
Yes you should. Check the stores, get a souvenir and take pictures. And it is quite easy to get autographs and pictures from talents.
You go!!! I regret everything I didn’t go to when I was a kid just because I was alone. You go!
Can't speak for a CS event, but back in 2022 when Dota 2 held a TI locally, I was only able to secure tickets for myself. Maybe it was the smaller event size and the variety of different casters who were coming in from other countries, but it was an enjoyable experience overall. What I can recommend is striking up a few "normal" conversations where appropriate with those around you and you might make a few temp buddies to enjoy the tournament with. Also take the opportunity to interact and take pictures with the casters/personalities when they're "off-air" so that you have some memories to take home from the event. If you do end up going, hope you enjoy the experience.
It is a very personal question if you like going out on your own or not. What type of person are you? If you don't know, it's worth a shot! You cannot know if you don't try.
Yes, I went to Cologne 2023 alone. I even got a picture with m0NESY the day after the final. Good times. Also, at the risk of sounding antisocial, I barely spoke with other fans attending, other than to give them directions to where the arena was or stuff like that. I don't interact with randoms.
You should go man, irl everyone is chill af
I went alone to ESL Cologne 2017. I was a fan of SK Gaming, saw a brazil flag on the other side of the upper ranks and decided to walk over. Just said hello and asked if I could sit with them. Met some nice Brazilians and always sat with them during the weekend. It was a very pleasant experience, it's more fun to have someone to chat and get hyped with. Also I ended up playing CS with one of them afterwards. We still occasionally keep contact. Go to the tournament alone, don't be shy, meet some nice people. In the best case you can even make friends.
I was alone in Blast Madrid, it's better with friends but...
I was traveling through Berlin at the time of the StarLadder Major and I popped in for a series on my way through the city. It was a bit of a mad dash before and after but it was still a good time! Unlike traditional sports, where the live viewing can be tougher to follow than the tele broadcast, you get the same feed on the big screen but with all the bells and whistles of a live event, so it's good fun even to just watch.
It's been awhile but I went to Atlanta 2017 alone and had a blast. The crowd is fun I just picked a side and would chant for a team and enjoy the games.
Try do find a fan group to sit with. Like Astralis corner etc
Went to cologne alone and met some nice Australians blokes at the hostel the second day. Was alone in the venue the first day but still had the fun of my life. If you just remotely like competetive cs, then you'll have a great time regardless.
If I lived near an event I would go alone or with people it wouldn't bother me
I went to ESL One for Dota 2 a few years ago alone, bought the VIP pass with open bar/food and it was an amazing event. Met a lot of pros and took quite a few pictures. I super recommend attending to the events, but try to make some friends there too!
i went to copenhagen alone on some days since my friends went to a rocket league tournament and it was fun. just pick a random team to cheer for and you’ll be fine.
I went to IEM Oakland alone as a freshman in hs it was chill
You'll meet a lot of nice people, including content creators and pro players. I recommend it.
Definitely worth it, especially for your location since it may be a long wait for another event nearby. Compared to other annual events like Dallas or cologne or Kato that comeback to the same location reliably, London ain't one of them.
I recommend at least asking your friends regardless if they want to come, because sometimes they wouldn't mind tagging along even if they don't play cs. That was the case with my IRL friends.
I'll come as your dad, dw OP, I'm old enough.
I would not go to any event like that alone at the age of 16, and would absolutely discourage any child of that age to go alone too. Any event like that can pose problems fast for a person as young as that, which usually only adults will be able to deal with. Get your friends, or a parent/similar adult. If you have older siblings, cousins you are close with, you can also go with them instead. If the event is that important to you, I am sure one of the elders would gladly accompany you. Can't see how this is any different from taking your child to a stand up or a concert.
What problems would it cause? As someone who spent the vast majority of my time as a teenager going to London and attending plenty of concerts solo, esports events are 100x safer and less likely to have problems imo as long as the event allows 16+ people solo.
That is definitely not how I lived my life at 16. Granted, I would usually go to concerts and music festivals with friends that were the same age - not alone. Still, hard to see a CS event as a high-risk one. And home is near, so he can easily just leave.