The Fever Dream That Was PAX Aus 2025

There’s something uniquely surreal about PAX Aus, that one weekend a year that feels equal parts festival, family reunion and fever dream. For many attendees, the countdown begins months in advance: securing tickets the moment they go live, scanning social media for guest and panel announcements, or perfecting cosplay builds and weekend outfits. Then, almost overnight, it arrives, three whirlwind days of games, community and controlled chaos.

By the time Sunday evening rolls around, the final “end of con” call echoes through the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The yellow-shirted Enforcers gently usher crowds towards the exits, and the collective mood is the same every year, a mix of joy, exhaustion and quiet fulfilment for the weekend that was.

This year’s PAX Aus felt like one of the strongest in recent memory. The Expo Hall was brimming with activity: hands-on game previews, indie developers showcasing passion projects, and major exhibitors bringing their full creative force. Freebies flowed as freely as ever, many destined to gather dust at home, but impossible to resist in the moment.

Beyond the noise and spectacle, there was an unexpected sense of ease, a steady rhythm that recalled the early, pre-pandemic years of PAX. Since returning in full force post-COVID, the convention has grown each year in scope and polish. Yet 2025’s edition managed to capture that nostalgic spark, the kind of fleeting energy that feels almost dreamlike once it’s gone.

The weekend’s programming was impressively diverse, reflecting the expanding intersections of gaming culture. The panel lineup ranged from industry deep dives to creative showcases, covering everything from “Careers in Cosplay” to “Dress to Impress IRL.” The event once again proved that PAX is as much about the people as it is the games, a space for connection, learning and celebration across every corner of fandom.

Familiar favourites made their triumphant return, too. The Dark Room brought its usual brand of unfiltered chaos (and, allegedly, a prosthetic shoey that may or may not have happened), while the late-night sea shanties drew crowds of tired but happy con-goers belting out tunes well past closing time.

The Cosplay Competition remained a major highlight, spotlighting some of the most talented makers in the community. Giorgia Costumes took home the championship title with her stunning Rocco Bunny from the Sakizo Illustration Book, a work of art featuring 136 handmade silk flowers, intricate self-taught embroidery, and charming bunny details that brought the character to life. She’ll represent Australia next year at MCM Comic Con London for the global finals.

Runner-up Mortis Fever impressed with their striking Trench Pilgrim from Trench Crusade, a cosplay crafted from manipulated calico fabric, meticulously gathered and sculpted to create the character’s imposing silhouette. The attention to texture and form made it one of the standout builds of the weekend.

As the final lights dimmed and attendees trickled out into the cool Melbourne night, that familiar post-PAX feeling set in once again, part melancholy, part motivation. The fever dream fades, but the memories endure. And soon enough, the cycle of anticipation will begin anew: the planning, the ticket drops, the countdown to do it all again.

Until next year, PAX. We’ll be waiting, badges ready and hearts full.