Evo 2026 takes place in Las Vegas, USA, from Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28, 2026 (local time).
As one of the world's largest fighting game festivals, it draws many participants traveling from Japan to the US.
If you're thinking, "I might as well do some sightseeing while I'm here!", we highly recommend Battlefield Vegas!
This shooting range near the venue lets you experience live-fire shooting firsthand.
Going Inside Battlefield Vegas for a Live-Fire Shooting Experience!
Evo 2026 takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Located just a 20-minute walk from the venue is "Battlefield Vegas."
However, even though it's only a 20-minute walk, summer temperatures in Las Vegas often reach 40°C (104°F). The scorching sun and dry air completely drain your energy, so we planned ahead...
We rented a Humvee, also known as a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle.
Incredibly, if you book a package in advance, they will pick you up from your hotel for free.
The Humvee rolled into the hotel's driveway, exuding an overwhelming presence.
Feeling the gaze of everyone around us, we climbed aboard.
The vehicle features a simple rope barrier but no seatbelts.
With the vibrations transferring directly to me, I felt incredibly thrilled by a point-of-view you usually only see in FPS games.
Since we stayed at a hotel within walking distance of the Las Vegas Convention Center, we arrived at our destination in no time.
While I wished the ride lasted a bit longer, we couldn't help it.
The Grounds Are Packed with Military Vehicles!
- Name: Ferret MK 2
- Country: United Kingdom
- Classification: Armored Car / Reconnaissance Vehicle
- Designed: 1949
- Produced: 1952–1971
- Number built: 4,409 units
Many military vehicles line the outdoor display area.
You have probably driven armored cars like these in video games before.
- Name: Leopard A1
- Country: Germany
- Classification: Main Battle Tank
- Designed: 1956–1961
- Produced: 1965–1984
- Number built: 6,565 units
When you think of a tank, this iconic shape instantly comes to mind.
Porsche developed this Leopard A1.
Ferdinand Porsche, the founder of the global automaker, also famously designed numerous military vehicles.
- Name: M3A1 half-track
- Country: United States
- Classification: Armored Personnel Carrier
- Designed: 1940–1941
- Produced: 1941–1945
- Number built: 53,000 units (including variants)
A half-track utilizes conventional wheels at the front and tracks at the rear. The M3 half-track saw widespread use during World War II and the Cold War era.
With so many other vehicles on display, my excitement already hit the roof.
But the main event was yet to come.
A warning sign states that possessing firearms while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs violates the law.
By the way, marijuana use is legal in Nevada, where Las Vegas is located.
Honestly, you can smell it just about everywhere.
A Wide Lineup of Souvenirs Makes It Fun Even Without Shooting
Stepping inside the facility, we found a surprisingly vast array of souvenirs.
I had envisioned a much more rugged environment, but they warmly welcome casual shoppers too.
Saiga NAK
But wait! Looking up at the wall, we saw an incredible selection of famous firearms on display, including the following:
- M1 GARAND
- MAUSER 98K
- RPK
- AK-74
- KRINKOV
- G36
- AUG
- Grease Gun
- MP-40
- MP5
- MPX
- STEN
- F90
- UMP
- COLT 1911
- P38
- LUGER
- BERETTA M9
Controlling my growing excitement, I decided to browse just a little bit more.
Saiga NAK
They also stock a massive selection of apparel.
Airsoft enthusiasts should definitely pick up some authentic gear here.
Vintage heavy machine guns and mortars line the floor, creating a powerful presence.
Saiga NAK
Whether for sale or just display, every item looks incredibly cool.
They even sell grenade-shaped pouches and a BBQ lighter modeled after the AK-47, one of the most famous guns in the world.
At least these are perfectly legal to bring back to Japan!
Alright, it's finally time for the main event.
At Battlefield Vegas, you can choose your favorite firearms from over 150 variations.
They also offer special packages themed around movies and video games. This time, we picked a plan inspired by Escape from Tarkov and Call of Duty: Warzone.
No More Messing Around From Here On
After reviewing the safety guidelines and signing the waiver, we finally headed into the shooting range.
Veteran staff members teach you how to handle each firearm safely.
While they smiled warmly just a moment ago in the lobby, out here, they strictly focus on safety.
Saiga NAK
Guns really hold a unique allure for gaming fans, don't they?
Even with noise-canceling earmuffs on, the gunfire still reverberates deep within your core, and the sharp scent of gunpowder completely fills the air.
This was no time to wonder, "I wonder if he likes the TERIYAKI BOYZ..."
Once the instructor walked me through each firearm step-by-step, it was time to start shooting.
In video games, characters carry these weapons effortlessly, but in reality, even a standard pistol feels incredibly heavy.
Since this package lets you fire a total of 80 rounds across four variations of firearms, you gradually adapt to the recoil.
Aim for center mass to deal maximum damage!
Next up is the Russian submachine gun, "PP-19-01 Vityaz."
In Escape from Tarkov, it goes by the name, "PP-19-01 'Vityaz' 9x19 submachine gun."
Based on the famous AK-74 design, it is on the longer side for a submachine gun.
All the recoil control techniques I practiced in games were useless here; burst firing was the best I could manage.
However, if you look properly through the optics and fire, the bullets fly exactly where you aim, proving just how incredible modern firearms are.
This is the American sniper rifle, "Knight’s SR-25."
In Escape from Tarkov, it is known as the marksman rifle, "Knight's Armament Company SR-25 7.62x51 marksman rifle."
The semi-automatic system allows for highly stable sniping.
Even though I fired it with an attached bipod, it still delivered massive recoil.
An Experience You Need At Least Once in Your Life!
Just like that, the live-fire shooting experience ended in a flash.
Looking closely at the target I took home as a souvenir, I could see clear scorch marks around the bullet holes.
Live-fire shooting is an experience you can rarely get in Japan.
While the real world is far harsher than video games, the sensation of holding those weapons is something I won't forget. I truly felt the sheer intensity and rich history behind them.
If you have the chance to visit Evo 2026, you should definitely stop by!
Check out the official Battlefield Vegas website for details on booking and the available variations of guns!
