Looking for something exciting to do this weekend? Etherlan 2025 is coming to the Bunker in Winkler this weekend, promising two full days of fun, friendly competition, prizes, and community spirit. All proceeds help support an outreach center for youth in Puerto Rico, making this event about more than just games.
21 years of gaming in Winkler
Etherlan is returning to the Bunker in Winkler this Friday and Saturday, celebrating 21 years of friendly competition and community connection.
“To our knowledge, it is 21 years Etherlan has been running,” said organizer Morgan Wiebe. “It’s kind of freaky to think about. Etherlan is almost as old as I am.”
Wiebe added that this year’s event is the biggest since before the pandemic. “We’ve been focusing on getting things right. Now that we feel like that’s kind of been done, this year we’re able to grow and hopefully reach people of different genres of games.”
One of the biggest game lineups yet
Etherlan 2025 is offering one of its most diverse gaming schedules ever.
“This year we’ve got one of our biggest lineups we’ve had in years,” said Wiebe. “I think it’s like 12, 14 games across multiple platforms.”
The lineup includes classic crowd-pleasers like Super Smash Brothers and Mario Kart, as well as competitive favorites like Call of Duty 2, Halo, League of Legends, Rocket League, and Valorant.
“Super Smash Brothers and Mario Kart are close to my heart, but recently I have started playing a ton of Valorant,” Wiebe shared. “I am very excited to hopefully play in Valorant and still looking for a team.”
A family friendly event
Etherlan is designed to welcome both serious competitors and casual players. Admission is just $10 for kids under 15, and $30 for everyone else. All entries are tax receiptable.
“The games will start at noon Saturday, but you can pretty much game through the night,” said Wiebe. “If you want to bring a sleeping bag and a pillow, you can sleep there. I know a couple of us do that throughout the weekend.”
There will also be concessions available at low prices. “I believe we negotiated pizza for a dollar a slice,” Wiebe added.
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Big prizes, including a Nintendo Switch 2
This year’s highlight prize is a brand-new Nintendo Switch 2, donated by Staples and given away on Saturday.
“We have been graciously able to get our hands on a Nintendo Switch 2,” said Wiebe. “You’re automatically entered to win just by showing up. You don’t have to be good at video games.”
Supporting a cause beyond the game
While Etherlan is about fun and competition, it is also about giving back.
“The money that we raise from Etherlan goes to support a youth outreach center or a bunker in Puerto Rico,” said Wiebe. “It’s been built and ran off the money that Etherlan has made over the 21 years. It’s been a really cool project.”
Wiebe noted that the Puerto Rican bunker has served as a beacon of hope during tropical storms and hurricanes. “Whereas here in Morden and Winkler we just worry about rain, there they’ve been kind of that safe place for the community when things get really tough.”
Etherlan continues to be an opportunity for gamers of all ages to connect, compete, and contribute to a global cause. It proves that video games can bring people together both locally and internationally.