Legends Clash in the Heart of London

The legendary Age of Empires tournament, Red Bull Wololo, is officially returning in 2026, and this time, it’s taking over one of the world’s most iconic cities. The eighth edition, aptly titled Red Bull Wololo: Londinium, will run from April 1 to 6, 2026, bringing together the best Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires IV players from around the world for six days of historic strategy and fierce competition.

A Tournament Worthy of Empires

Red Bull Wololo has long been known for staging its tournaments in jaw-dropping venues, from castles in Germany to cathedrals in Spain. For 2026, the event will elevate its production even further with matches held across iconic London landmarks, culminating in a Grand Final at the Royal Albert Hall on April 6, in front of a live audience of over 3,000 fans.

The tournament will unfold in three stages:

  • Group Stage: April 1–3
  • Playoffs: April 4–5
  • Grand Final: April 6

In total, the event will feature a $170,000 USD (around £128,000) prize pool, with the champion claiming $50,000 USD (about £37,700).

Tickets go on sale December 3, 2025, giving fans a chance to secure their spot for one of the most anticipated Age of Empires events in years. Those who can’t attend in person will still be able to catch all the action live on Red Bull Gaming’s Twitch and YouTube channels.

From Castles to Concert Halls

What sets Red Bull Wololo apart is how it blends history, architecture, and esports spectacle. Past editions, such as El Reinado in Spain and Legacy in Germany, have set a high bar for production value and atmosphere.

Now, with Londinium, the organisers are fusing Age of Empires’ medieval roots with the grandeur of modern London, creating a setting where the game’s centuries of warfare meet the city’s timeless landmarks. It’s a fitting evolution for a series that has become a cornerstone of Age of Empires esports since its debut.

Can Hera Defend His Crown?

All eyes will once again be on Hamzah “Hera” El-Baher, who dominated the 2024 Red Bull Wololo: Age of Empires II event with a decisive 5–1 victory over Ørjan “TheViper” Larsen. Hera has been on a hot streak, winning multiple Tier 1 events in 2025, including Warlords IV and The Garrison.

If he manages to defend his crown in Londinium, it could cement his place as one of the greatest Age of Empires players of all time. But with a new wave of challengers entering the fray, the competition will be fierce.

The Return of a Fan Favourite

While excitement is high, some fans have voiced disappointment over the absence of Age of Mythology, which received a major expansion earlier this year. Replies under the official announcement featured pleas for its inclusion, with one user writing, “Why drop Age of Mythology, especially right after a major expansion? It makes no sense!”

Still, the buzz around Red Bull Wololo: Londinium remains electric. Between the high-stakes matches, breathtaking venues, and a prize pool fit for kings, this 2026 edition is shaping up to be one of the most memorable chapters in Age of Empires history.