At ABCon, it’s easy to be swept up in the whirlwind of color, laughter, and competition. The hall buzzes with excitement; dice clatter, cards flip, and cheers erupt from every corner. From the outside, it looks effortless: an entire day of seamless fun. But behind every game of Village War, every spontaneous dance break, and every “Wait, what’s the rule again?” moment, there’s an army of people quietly working to make it all happen. This is their story.
The story of the volunteers, organizers, designers, vendors, and dreamers who transform a simple gathering into Africa’s biggest celebration of tabletop games.
The Early Risers and Late-Night Lifesavers
Before the first player walks through the door, before the games are unpacked, and long before the first selfie is snapped, the ABCon volunteers are already in motion. They’re the ones hauling tables, hanging banners, double-checking sound systems, and setting up game booths. It’s a labor of love that starts weeks before anyone even hears the words “Let’s play.”
They move like clockwork, anticipating problems before they happen; ensuring every chair has a place, every board has its pieces, and every player knows where to go. And even when things don’t go according to plan (and they rarely do), they’re the ones smiling through the chaos.
“People see the fun part,” laughs one volunteer. “They don’t see the three hours we spent wrestling with banners that refused to stay up”
By the time attendees arrive, the hall looks effortless. But that seamless experience? It’s built on sweat and teamwork.
The Organizers: Conductors of Controlled Chaos
If the volunteers are the heartbeat of ABCon, the organizers are the nervous system; coordinating every signal, every movement, every tiny miracle that keeps things running. From managing schedules and coordinating vendors to ensuring tournaments don’t clash with panels, their work is a delicate balancing act.
Planning for ABCon begins months in advance. Every detail, from game logistics and partnerships to crowd flow and backup power, is mapped out long before the first player rolls a die. But even with the best-laid plans, surprises are inevitable. Sometimes with a power cut, other times with a delivery that decides to take its own adventure.
It’s a high-wire act that requires equal parts strategy, patience, and humor. One minute they’re managing a registration queue that suddenly doubled, the next they’re soothing a competitive player whose dice seem cursed. Yet somehow, through it all, they keep smiling — because they know what’s waiting at the end: a room full of people laughing, connecting, and rediscovering the joy of play.
The Vendors: Fueling the Fun
There’s one universal truth at ABCon; no great game can happen on an empty stomach. The vendors know this better than anyone. Their stands are little oases of joy, offering puff-puff, suya, zobo, and enough snacks to keep players strategizing for hours. Between the clatter of game pieces and bursts of laughter, their energy keeps the convention buzzing. Whether you’re refueling after a heated match or taking a break between play sessions, the vendors are always ready with a smile, a plate, and a bit of friendly banter. They’re the heartbeat between the games; proof that at ABCon, fun is best served with something delicious in hand.
The Designers: Turning Ideas into Play
A few tables away, another kind of creativity takes the stage; The game designers. They arrive armed with their games or test versions that have lived in their heads for months or even years. Some are seasoned creators, showcasing expansions and polished releases; others are first-timers nervously watching strangers bring their ideas to life for the very first time.
Each designer brings something unique to the table, from mechanics inspired by everyday Nigerian life to stories that travel far beyond it. You’ll find games that celebrate friendship, competition, community, and chaos (often all at once).
But beyond the boards and cards, there’s a quiet determination in the air. Many of these designers are building more than just games; they’re building a future. A future where Nigerian creativity doesn’t just exist within its borders but sits proudly on the global shelf. And as players laugh, argue over rules, and celebrate small victories, you can see that future taking shape — one turn, one roll, one brilliant idea at a time.
The Game Masters: Architects of Adventure
Then there are the Game Masters; the heroes who dedicate hours to learning complex rules, memorizing storylines, and anticipating every possible twist in the games they run. Their work doesn’t stop at mastering the mechanics; they also invest the patience and creativity needed to teach these worlds to new players, translating intricate systems into experiences that are fun, engaging, and accessible. Every session is a careful balance of storytelling, strategy, and improvisation, shaped by countless hours of preparation and a genuine love for the craft.
Without their dedication, the worlds on the table would remain abstract; with it, every roll of the dice becomes an adventure, every choice a moment of shared excitement, and every player a participant in a story that only comes alive because of them.
The Cheerleaders of Community
Amid the buzz of dice rolls and laughter, there’s a group that keeps the energy alive. Every smile, every high-five, every patient explanation of a tricky rule adds to the soul of ABCon. It’s not just the people on stage or behind booths; it’s anyone who reaches out to a newcomer, invites someone to join a game, or shares a laugh over a surprising roll. By simply showing up, being friendly, and embracing the spirit of play, every attendee becomes part of this living, breathing support squad. ABCon feels less like a convention and more like a family reunion because each of us chooses to cheer, encourage, and include. The cheerleader isn’t a role on a schedule — the cheerleader is you, helping make every moment feel bigger, brighter, and more unforgettable. And when the last game ends and the hall quiets, the echoes of laughter and camaraderie remain, a reminder that the spirit of ABCon lives in everyone who took part.
Written by: Hilda Alagada
