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| Xbox FanFest is going global to celebrate 25 years of Xbox, with a confirmed stop in Toronto for 2026. |
By Jon Scarr
Canadian Xbox fans just got the news they've been waiting for as a major global tour stop's been confirmed for Toronto. Earlier today, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma revealed over on X that Xbox FanFest is going on a global tour to celebrate a quarter-century of the brand. While the lineup includes international heavy hitters like London, Tokyo, and Mexico City, seeing Toronto on the list is a major win for the local community, especially following the reveal of the Canadian Game Awards 2026 nominees earlier this week.
This milestone is a big one for the team in green. It’s been 25 years since the original Xbox and Halo: Combat Evolved changed the landscape of gaming. This tour isn't just about looking back at the history of the console; it’s about the people who’ve played along the way. Each stop on the tour'll be unique to its location, which means we can expect something special that reflects the gaming culture here in Toronto.
Asha Sharma Connects With the Xbox Community
This move marks one of the first major community plays under the leadership of new CEO Asha Sharma. She’s made it clear that FanFest's a priority for the brand, and bringing the show back to the players in person's a strong signal. The tour kicks off alongside the Xbox Games Showcase in Los Angeles this June, but the party won't stop there.
Sharma's vision for these events involves more than just a stage show. Fans can expect in-person experiences that bring the worlds of Xbox to life. This means opportunities to connect with other players and get face time with the creators and developers behind some of our favorite titles. For a city like Toronto, which's home to so much development talent, this's a perfect fit.
Gears of War and the Future of Xbox
The Los Angeles stop in June'll coincide with a massive double broadcast. We already know the Xbox Games Showcase 2026 and Gears of War: E-Day Direct is set for June 7, and it’ll be followed immediately by a deep dive into the next chapter of the franchise. This prequel is easily one of the most anticipated titles for 2026, and it’s likely we’ll see some of that energy carry over into the other tour stops.
While we don't have specific dates or venue details for the Toronto event just yet, Xbox's encouraged fans to keep a close eye on the FanFest website. Tickets for these events usually go fast, and you’ll want to be ready when the registration opens up. It’s been a while since we’ve seen a celebration of this scale, and having it land right here's something we won't want to miss.
The Xbox 25th Anniversary FanFest Tour Brings the Celebration to Toronto
The tour'll visit Cologne, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Seattle, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto, with more locations promised soon. It’s a global lineup that recognizes the reach of the Xbox community, but the inclusion of a Canadian stop feels particularly rewarding. This anniversary follows closely on the heels of the Xbox 25th Anniversary Fanta collaboration, where we saw some of the first custom hardware prizes revealed for the year.
This's more than just a birthday party for a console; it’s a nod to the creators and fans who’ve made the last 25 years possible. Make sure you're signed up for FanFest alerts so you don't miss out when the Toronto dates are officially locked in. We’ll be following the news closely to see exactly what Xbox has planned for the 6ix.
Nice hopefully it will something to get a chance to attend. I went to a couple years back and they were a lot of fun.
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