EPIC40 will return to the hallowed halls of the Kettering Conference Centre in October, organisers EPIC.LAN announced late last night. During the Pub Quiz for EPIC39 they revealed that the next event, which will also mark ten years in Kettering, will be held once again in the venue EPIC have called home for ten years.
In the early days of EPIC.LAN the event was held at Uttoxeter Racecourse, with EPIC.FIVE the first appearance of a Counter-Strike title – at the time Source – at the LAN party. EPIC moved to Kettering for its tenth edition in 2013 where it remained until EPIC.39, barring four online events in 2020 and 2021 necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While it was on and off during the early years, Counter-Strike has featured at every event since 2016’s EPIC.SEVENTEEN, often being the most popular esports title at the triannual events that have become a cornerstone in the UK’s domestic Counter-Strike scene.
It was announced in May that the Kettering Conference Centre would be closing down, sparking a campaign to save it from various figures including comedian James Acaster as well as a host of esports names. After evaluating numerous options for a new venue, EPIC.39 is currently taking place at Dunstall Park Racecourse in Wolverhampton. While UKCSGO understands that the long-term future of EPICLAN at the KCC is still uncertain with the venue under new ownership, fans can rest assured that they will at least be able to enjoy the fabled “IEM Kettering” in October to celebrate the 40th running of the event.
EPIC.40 will take place from October 26th-29th and tickets are on sale now.
