Thanks to the club’s rich history and its esteemed academy system, football fans around the world are keen to watch Ajax in the flesh and tour the team’s Johan Cruyff Arena home. However, before the big game kicks off, many fans naturally spend time in and around Amsterdam to soak up the atmosphere. Some supporters also explore the city’s various gaming bars, particularly if they want to calm some pre-game nerves with a virtual adventure.
For passionate football fans and gamers alike, Amsterdam has some fantastic gaming venues that will provide you with plenty of entertainment before watching the likes of Kenneth Taylor and Wout Weghorst in action. Whether you’re partial to playing online blackjack or you’re interested in eye-catching titles like Genshin Impact, the city has some top gaming bars to visit, alongside exploring its stunning architecture and its cycling culture.
So, if you’re coming to a potential European clash in the future or you’re a staunch supporter of the club since the days of Jari Litmanen, then below are some excellent gaming bars to consider frequenting before the big clash. Make no mistake about it, for both football fans and gamers, combining the two makes for a special day out.
Molly’s Arena
First up is Molly’s Arena, a gaming haven where many Ajax fans assemble before and after matches. If you’re alone or with some loved ones, it’s a space you can spend hours in. From their stunning food to the extensive selection of games you can dip in and out of, Molly’s Arena has everything you need before any big title decider.
In fact, there aren’t many places in the city where you can munch on pancakes, drink copious amounts of beer, and play a plethora of games at the same time. In that respect, Molly’s Arena really is special.
Blast Galaxy
A top spot in the city, Blast Galaxy is always filled with happy people. In this wonderful gaming-mad location, you can sip refreshing beverages while tucking into a plethora of free gaming experiences.
From retro delights to more modern-day products, Blast Galaxy is a brilliant arcade space located in Amsterdam’s Sloterdijk. Once you’ve paid the venue’s single entrance fee, then you’re left to your own devices to explore the venue’s amazing gaming-related offerings. Overall, it’s superb.
The Pool Bar
While The Pool Bar isn’t strictly a gaming bar, you can sample an array of games while playing pool.
A place that also serves up drinks alongside a selection of other products alongside the action on the pool table, this undisputed favorite among some members of the Ajax fanbase is hard to ignore, be it before the game or at full-time.
Oche

A place many Ajax fans are fully aware of, Oche is a warm and welcoming venue with some delicious cocktails and a fantastic darts game to play. This high-tech darts club is a tad different to many of the other options on the list, but it’s a great deal of fun.
With screens animating the darts action as you aim to top leaderboards and devour some delicious dishes of grub, Oche is definitely one of the best places to add to your game day plans.
Lightning VR Amsterdam Noord
Whether you’re keen to survive waves of zombie attacks or you want to reign supreme in an epic gun fight, Lightning VR Amsterdam Noord provides one of the most immersive gaming experiences you can possibly sample in the city.
With a strong selection of virtual reality games to choose from and some tasty food and drink to try, Lightning VR Amsterdam Noord really is great.