The Iparralde sports center in Urduliz has set aside its sporting function this weekend to become a computer party, offering a space to enjoy the world of video games and digital entertainment for the first Urduliz Link Up event. Specifically, it is a LAN Party that will bring together 80 networked computers for three days of competition, community, and digital entertainment.
The event, which opened yesterday, will run until Sunday, featuring competitions, workshops, exhibitions, talks, and shows. It is an initiative driven by a local association of friends passionate about technology and video games, fueled by enthusiasm and the ambition for the event to grow annually and become a future reference point in Eskuinaldea for new technology enthusiasts.
Inspired by major tech gatherings like the Euskal Encounter, Urduliz Link Up provides an immersive experience for fans of gaming, computing, and innovation. At its core is the LAN zone, where participants share space for extended periods in an environment optimized for long gaming sessions, featuring high-speed internet, specialized infrastructure, and a collaborative atmosphere focused on knowledge exchange. Yesterday, Aitor, originally from Urretxu and known in the tech world as Hardtxi, set up his impressive computers in this area. Since the age of 17, his passion for computers has led him to configure prototypes noted for their thematic aesthetics, such as a smoking boat, a military construction, or video game themes. "I invest around 100 to 200 hours in creating each one," he summarizes. However, one of the most appealing areas will be the Link Up Plaza, an open zone for the public to enhance the experience.
Beyond the competition, the program includes contests, workshops, and rest areas, creating a proposal that blends digital leisure, learning, and community. For instance, the event features insightful talks, such as one by Koldo Gutiérrez, a professor at the Euneiz university in Gasteiz, who will discuss the educational role of video games, among other aspects. Attendees can also admire spectacular 3D creations, both scaled and life-size, by Koldo Cebadero of Sirius 3D, and Sergio Barajas from Imprime 3D, who can create items ranging from clips for open packages to citronella bracelets for repelling mosquitoes.
In a similar vein, another striking activity is provided by the Bilbao-based robotics academy New Wing, led by Haimar Arregui. "I currently have about twenty students aged 12 to 17 who enjoy creating drone projects. In Urduliz, they will be able to experience remote-controlled car races through virtual reality goggles," he explains.
Nostalgic visitors can also enjoy playing with true classics like the Sega Mega Drive, Super Nintendo, and Nintendo 64 consoles, among others. Additionally, there are scale model car exhibitions and digital illustration contests. Ultimately, it is a space to enjoy new technologies and unleash creativity in a relaxed atmosphere.
