Australia's first esports bar, GG EZ, is closing its doors after this weekend

It’s a sad day for gamers in Australia and especially Melbourne, as GG EZ Bar has announced that this Friday, August 25th, will be the last night their doors are open.

GG EZ Bar opened its door on September 7th 2017 and has been a place for all gamers to meet up in the many years since. Every major gaming event in Melbourne has seen GG EZ as a place for many to go to afterwards and relax with friends having a couple of themed cocktails.

GG EZ was opened as Australia’s first dedicated esports bar, with screens around the venue bringing the same vibes as a typical sports bar. However, the bar was a home for gamers of all types, not just those interested in esports. Australia’s content creation & streamer community especially took to making the bar a home, with the bathroom selfies becoming a fixture on social media.

Sharing the news of their closure on X (formally Twitter) today, the GG EZ Bar account said, “Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to keep up with rising costs post-COVID, and so GGEZ will be closing its doors this week.”

Many have taken to the replies and RTs sharing their favourite memories of GG EZ.

I am currently without words (this is rare) but here’s a throwback to opening night! pic.twitter.com/rX1uCgwfEB

— Tristan Gulyas 🖥 📸 🦆 (@evilZardoz) August 23, 2023

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Thank you for being such a welcoming space – especially to those who feel uncomfortable in traditional bars.

Genuinely will miss going to ggez – I’ve had MANY fond nights within the red and blue neon walls. ❤️💙

— Taylah ✧*。 (@lahTay_) August 23, 2023

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I met the love of my life at @ggezbar and a lot of my now lifelong friends here too.

Gamer Bar will always hold a special place in my heart 💜💜💜 https://t.co/qfTfVk4YVh pic.twitter.com/455KL2xry0

— BriiJay ⚡ (@BriiJayx) August 23, 2023

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When I first moved to Melbourne, GGEZ was the place I went to when I didn’t want to feel alone. It always made me feel safe and comfortable. I feel lucky to have been able to experience it.
Shoutout to @lachymcallister and everyone that had a part through the years. En Taro ARMY! https://t.co/VWeBrm1Oad

— Sebbie (@SebbieSawrr) August 23, 2023

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Genuinely shattered. We’ll miss you, GGEZ. pic.twitter.com/6N8tRjcGZz

— Matt Tilby (@itstilby) August 23, 2023

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Twitch Melb at @ggezbar was the first event I ever got the nerve up to go to by myself. I was terrified, but I quickly met an entire group of life long friends.

I can’t believe how far I’ve come. GG gave community to so many and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it. https://t.co/rvmNOXdkxZ pic.twitter.com/HQytTWjEcp

— ᑭ𝒾χ (@pixelsmixel) August 23, 2023

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This is actually the end of an era.

GGEZ really helped Melbourne establish it’s name in the esports scene and I don’t know a single gamer who doesn’t have lifelong memories involving this place.

Long live the Toxic Cup and the PubG Parma 🫡🥲 https://t.co/bLNuApIjPD

— Jake ‘Kitfox’ Punton (@Kitfoxpunton) August 23, 2023

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GG was so special to so many of us. I met my friends there, I met my partner there. That bathroom saw hype, heartbreak, and historic mirror selfies.

GG my friends, GG. ❤️ https://t.co/nnoih8LpFw

— Rubee🐝🌻 (@RubeePlays) August 23, 2023

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