GeekinCon 2026, the first multi-universe pop culture convention organised by We Are Geekin’, will take place on 1 August at the Institut Français de Maurice (IFM) in Rose Hill. Once regarded as a niche interest, geek culture has steadily become part of the Mauritian mainstream. Video games, cosplay, animation, comics, cinema, music, illustration, technology and digital creation now bring together a growing community of enthusiasts and creators.
Organised to mark the fifth anniversary of We Are Geekin’ (formerly Geekin’ Moris), this inaugural edition represents a major milestone in the evolution of Mauritius’ geek community. The event is supported by Doritos as Platinum Sponsor, SWAN Mauritius, Yop and NexForge Computers as Gold Sponsors, eSports Faction, Gravity MAX and 101-Multimedia as supporting sponsors, the Institut Français de Maurice as venue partner, Otayo as the exclusive ticketing partner, and The Talent Factory as public relations partner. More than an anniversary celebration, GeekinCon fulfils a long-standing ambition to provide Mauritius with a convention that celebrates the full diversity of geek culture while showcasing the local talent driving it forward.
GeekinCon also aims to encourage broader discussions about the role of the creative industries in Mauritius’ economic development. While the country is home to an abundance of artistic and digital talent, creative careers remain under-recognised. Many creators have successfully transformed their passion into a profession, yet the sector would benefit from greater visibility, stronger support systems and more opportunities for growth.
“Over the years, geek events in Mauritius have largely focused on gaming or cosplay. While both play an important role, they represent only part of a much larger ecosystem. GeekinCon was created to demonstrate that geek culture also encompasses cinema, literature, music, tabletop gaming, digital creation, design, animation and many other creative disciplines. Beyond the stereotypes, geek culture has become part of everyday life for many Mauritians and increasingly influences the way people entertain themselves, create and even build businesses. Many people consume pop culture content without even realising they are part of this universe, and this is one of the topics that will be explored during the conference sessions,” explained organiser Cedric Sookahet, CEO and Founder of We Are Geekin’.
Beyond its entertainment value, GeekinCon seeks to highlight one of Mauritius’ most underdeveloped sectors: the creative industries. Video games, animation, film, illustration, comics, visual effects, digital design, content creation and storytelling now represent one of the world’s fastest-growing industries, creating new opportunities for employment, innovation and entrepreneurship. Through this first convention, We Are Geekin’ aims to demonstrate that Mauritius already possesses the talent required to become part of this global movement. The potential is already here.
“Success stories are becoming increasingly common in game development, animation and storytelling. Mauritian developers are now contributing to international projects, while studios operating in Mauritius, such as SteamRoller Animations, an American studio with a Mauritian branch, have contributed animation work for internationally renowned games including Batman and Mortal Kombat, among others. In the audiovisual sector, local creators are also beginning to establish themselves on international platforms. Video games perfectly illustrate this evolution. Through the Geek’s Game Jams organised since last year, more than fifteen games have already been created by Mauritian developers and artists within just a few months. This demonstrates the country’s potential in what has become the world’s largest entertainment industry, surpassing even cinema,” added Cedric Sookahet.
Cosplay has also become one of Mauritius’ greatest success stories. Several local cosplayers have represented the country at international competitions, winning awards in Réunion, South Africa and at the World Cosplay Summit in Abu Dhabi. These achievements reflect the high standard reached by Mauritian talent on the international stage.
For We Are Geekin’, these successes demonstrate that Mauritius already possesses all the ingredients required to build a thriving creative industry. The next challenge is to create an environment where artists, developers, illustrators, animators and content creators can transform their passion into sustainable careers. GeekinCon 2026 therefore aims to become a platform for discovery, networking and collaboration. Through its Artist Alley, locally developed games showcase, conference programme, live entertainment and guest appearances, the convention will celebrate Mauritian creators while inspiring the next generation to explore the many opportunities available within the creative industries.
“Since the creation of We Are Geekin’, our mission has always been to put Mauritian geeks in the spotlight. We want to show that the talent already exists here at home. GeekinCon is an invitation to discover these talents, support them, and inspire young people who also aspire to create, innovate and build careers in the creative industries. Through this first edition, GeekinCon hopes to change perceptions of geek culture in Mauritius. Far more than a hobby, it has become a space for creativity, innovation, self-expression and entrepreneurship that can actively contribute to the development of the country’s creative economy. The conference programme will be one of the event’s key highlights,” concluded Cedric Sookahet.
The conference sessions will be among the major attractions of GeekinCon 2026, bringing together Mauritian professionals from across the creative industries. Designed as spaces for dialogue and reflection, they will explore the challenges facing creators in an ever-changing world.
The opening conference, “The Geek Renaissance: Why Pop Culture is the New Universal Language,” will explore the growing influence of pop culture on modern society, led by artist Evan Sohun.
The “Innovation Summit” will tackle one of today’s most pressing questions: “AI & the Creator: Future-proofing or Destroying the Industry?” Filmmaker Jean-Yves Chantoiseau, concept artist Nicola Gaiser, comedian Guillaume Silavant, AI content creator Fish John and music producer Gary Mach will share their perspectives on the impact of artificial intelligence on creative professions.
Finally, “The Living Page: The Power of Storytelling in a Digital World” will highlight the vital role of storytelling within the creative industries, featuring Amarnath Hosany, Yianna Amodine and Clémence Soupe.
Through these three conferences, GeekinCon aims to go beyond entertainment by encouraging meaningful discussions about the future of Mauritius’ creative industries. The event seeks to raise public awareness, inspire emerging talent, and foster collaboration between creators, entrepreneurs and key industry stakeholders, while showcasing the economic and cultural potential of the country’s creative sector.
The full programme is available on the GeekinCon website, and tickets are available through Otayo.
