Link to the competition website
Get ready for the great combined test of logic, teamwork and speed – the online qualifications for ER Champ 2025, the world’s largest escape room competition, will take place on June 28. For enthusiasts of puzzles and immersive challenges, this is the one opportunity to join the elite and secure a spot in the live world finals, which this year will be held in Sofia, Bulgaria, on October 19–20.
– ER Champ is more than a competition. iIt’s a global celebration of escape rooms – says Bartosz Idzikowski from Lock.me, the event organizer. – Every year, thousands of players from all over the world unite online to compete in the qualifiers, and the best of them travel across the globe to test their skills in unique, specially designed escape rooms. It’s a chance to become a very unusual kind of athlete – where sharp thinking and great collaboration matter more than physical strength.
This year’s story-driven competition is titled “Boo-tiful Adventure at Dalloway Manor”, set in a spooky, decrepit Victorian mansion. Players were first introduced to this eerie universe during the recent stress test, which served as both a technical rehearsal and a warm-up before the real challenge begins. Interestingly, one puzzle in the stress test caused serious trouble for many teams – and there’s a fun twist: it was designed not by the organizers, but by a fan of the competition who won a community puzzle design contest. Despite the difficulties, some teams impressed: the fastest group completed the entire test in just 15 minutes, and Asian teams stood out with the best overall performance.
Now, the countdown begins for the official online qualifications on June 28. Open to teams of 2 to 4 players, the qualifier is free to enter and available worldwide. The top 10 teams will be invited to Sofia to compete in a live final, held in custom-built escape rooms at The Purgatory venue. Alongside the competition, a mini-conference will bring together industry professionals, owners, and enthusiasts from across the globe.
● Qualifications: June 28, 2025
● Finals in Sofia, Bulgaria: October 19–20, 2025
The rise of ER Champ reflects a broader trend: escape rooms are evolving from a casual hobby into a competitive discipline. What started as recreational entertainment has transformed into a structured, international format that mirrors the growth of modern e-sports: complete with rankings, strategy, time pressure, and global audiences. Teams now train, analyze past games, and develop internal roles, all to gain a competitive edge.
– What we’re witnessing is the gamification of logic and teamwork at a professional level – explains Idzikowski. – Escape rooms are becoming a kind of mental sport: accessible, inclusive, and very engaging. And the best part is that almost anyone can try it. ER Champ gives everyday puzzle fans a chance to test their skills against the very best, and that’s what makes it so powerful.
ER Champ has grown from its roots in Poland in 2017 into a truly international phenomenon, attracting players from every continent. Last year’s winners – 6 Keys from the USA – demonstrated that smart strategy and active cooperation are the keys to victory. This year, the field looks even more competitive.
Link to the competition website: