TaKeTV

Imagine a place where the comfort of a home living room meets the energy of a professional esports arena. This perfectly describes TaKeTV — a unique space located in the city of Krefeld. It is not just a bar or a nightclub, but a true headquarters for video game enthusiasts that has become legendary far beyond Germany.

The venue spans several floors and combines professional broadcasting studios, gaming zones, and a stylish bar. TaKeTV gained worldwide fame thanks to the HomeStory Cup tournaments, where the best StarCraft II players and competitors from other disciplines compete in an incredibly informal setting, literally sitting on sofas next to their fans.

For tourists, this place is interesting for its niche culture and incredibly friendly community. Even if you don't consider yourself a hardcore gamer, it's worth visiting for the special digital-age atmosphere, quality drinks, and the chance to see modern entertainment content being created in real time.

For those planning a visit, here is the essential contact information for this unique venue. We also recommend checking the establishment's social media pages for upcoming streams and tournaments.

The main reason to visit is to immerse yourself in gaming culture. You can take a seat in one of the gaming zones to battle friends on consoles or high-end PCs, or simply get comfortable with a drink and watch a major tournament broadcast on massive screens.

The venue regularly hosts autograph sessions and meet-and-greets with famous streamers and professional esports athletes. This is a rare chance to chat with your idols in a relaxed bar setting rather than through a monitor screen. Don't forget to check out the bar area, which serves creative cocktails often named after game characters or terms.

If you're lucky enough to be here during the HomeStory Cup, you'll witness a unique show. During these days, the entire space turns into one big celebration with live commentary, jokes, and incredible intensity. It’s an experience that completely changes your perception of what modern sporting events can look like.

Getting to this gaming paradise is quite simple, as it is located in the central part of the city. If you arrive by train, the walk from Krefeld Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) will take about 10–15 minutes. This is a convenient option for those who enjoy walking through city streets.

For those who value their time or are traveling with luggage, a taxi ride from the city center or the station is inexpensive and takes only 3–5 minutes. Public transport routes also pass nearby, making the location accessible from anywhere in the city.

The history of this venue began with an ambitious idea from professional player and commentator Dennis "TaKe" Gehlen. Initially, tournaments were held literally in his apartment, which gave rise to the name of the famous HomeStory Cup format — a competition with a homey, relaxed atmosphere where world-class professionals could unwind and socialize.

Over time, the project outgrew the home studio format, and in 2015, the team moved into a massive building on Alte Linner Straße. This allowed them to turn a private initiative into one of the most famous esports venues in the world, while still preserving that cozy "living room" spirit.

Today, the venue is considered a major milestone in the development of German and international esports. It proved that professional competitions can be more than just massive stadium shows; they can also be heartfelt gatherings of like-minded people watched by millions of viewers online.

The time spent here depends heavily on your interests. If you just drop in for a cocktail and a few rounds on a console, 1.5–2 hours will be enough for a first introduction to the atmosphere.

However, if you happen to catch a live tournament or a themed party, be prepared to spend an entire evening or even the whole day here. Esports marathons are addictive, and socializing with the community can last late into the night.

The venue's operating hours may vary depending on tournament schedules and special events. Usually, the doors are open to visitors in the evenings, but during major esports events, TaKeTV may welcome guests from early morning.

Before visiting, we strongly recommend checking the official website or social media pages to ensure the venue isn't closed for a private event or, conversely, hosting an open tournament that is worth checking out.

After immersing yourself in the world of virtual battles, it's worth taking some time to visit the city's classic attractions. A walk around the area will provide a change of scenery and introduce you to the regional historical heritage.

Within walking distance or just a couple of kilometers from the venue, you'll find interesting architectural monuments and cultural sites to complement your trip with new experiences.