More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon,at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Sara McMunn of Lake Forest was one of more than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, that made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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Patti Porter of Indianapolis, dressed as a Night Elf Priestess, was one of more than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, that made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Nicolle and Ramon Sosongco of Fountain Valley make their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, more than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, attend the annual convention that celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)



Corrie Bruce of Salem, Oregon, was one of more than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, that made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Thousands stand in line to attend BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, more than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, attend the annual convention that celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

more than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes attend BlizzCon, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. The annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Patti Porter of Indianapolis, dressed as a Night Elf Priestess, was one of more than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, that made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, more than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes attend BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. The annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)



More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Carey Corrigan of Toronto was one of more than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, that made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Dan Miller of La Habra, was one of more than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, that made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)



Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, more than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes attend BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. The annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Ramon Sosongco of Fountain Valley poses at BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, more than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, attend the annual convention that celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)



More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)



More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)



More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)



More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Sara McMunn of Lake Forest was one of more than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, that made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Corrie Bruce of Salem, Oregon, was one of more than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, that made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)



More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Hanari Solomon of Orlando, was one of more than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, that made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

More than 35,000 people, many dressed up as video game heroes, made their way to BlizzCon, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim on Friday, November 3, 2017. Considered one of the premier gaming conventions in the world, the annual convention celebrates the games of Irvine-based Blizzard. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The first thing Patti Porter did when she woke up at 3 a.m Friday morning was put on makeup.

For a couple of hours, she carefully patted hot pink colored makeup on her face and neck before slathering it all over her body.

Porter, 25, of Indianapolis, wanted to be a living replica of her in-game video game avatar – a night elf priestess from “World of Warcraft.”

“I relate to her,” said Porter, a cosplayer. “She has a lot of fidelity.”

Porter is one of the 35,000 people from around the world attending BlizzCon, a sold out two-day affair that kicked off Friday, Nov. 3, at the Anaheim Convention Center and is considered to be the ultimate gathering for fans of games made by Irvine-based Blizzard Entertainment. This year’s BlizzCon is the largest since the convention began in 2005. The Convention Center’s recently completed expansion allowed organizers to increase capacity by an additional 8,000 people, according to a Blizzard official.

Blizzard uses the annual convention not only to celebrate its fans and customers, but also announce upcoming games, expansions and to host an e-sports video game tournament featuring games such as “World of Warcraft,” “Overwatch,” “Starcraft” and “Hearthstone.”

BlizzCon highlights the growth of Blizzard’s billion-dollar gaming empire and the rise in popularity of video games and e-sports. No longer are video games just for kids or recreational activities, said Erik Joiner, a marketing manager for Asus, a computer manufacturer. It’s serious business.

“This is a multi-billion dollar industry,” said Joiner, whose company has booths set up in the exhibit hall. “A lot of kids want to become a professional. Just look around – nowadays there’s an ‘Overwatch’ league and gaming franchises owned by Robert Kraft (the owner of the New England Patriots). There are grassroots and university gaming leagues and influencers (gamers) who attract tens of thousands of viewers each time they live stream their games.”

Inside the convention center, there are several areas offering video game demonstrations, a charity auction featuring original game-inspired artwork, live music at the Hearthstone Tavern, seats to watch any of the three e-sport world championships, plus plenty of merchandise and pin collectors trading pins.

Outside the convention center, cosplayers dominate. There are hundreds of people walking around dressed up as Paladins, demon hunters, and elves.

“It’s like all of the characters and everything I’ve experienced in the game is now coming to life,” said Porter, who is attending her first BlizzCon.

Dan Miller, 48, of La Habra, carried around an elaborate looking fishing pole. He said he’s dressed as Nat Pagle, a master fisherman character in the “World of Warcraft” game.

“This is my thing,” said Miller, who has attended BlizzCon for 10 years. “Some people go to football games. This is what I do. It’s about being with friends and meeting more people. I love being with our people.”

Dressed as murlocs Sean Hagler, 41, and wife Amanda Aug, 35, came from Atlanta to attend their first BlizzCon. Aug runs The Rabbit Hole, a local weekly fireside gathering to play Blizzard’s popular card game “Hearthstone.”

“I’ve been a fan of Blizzard games since the early 1990s when Warcraft I came out,” Hagler said. “It’s amazing how far they’ve come and how they are going to continue to grow.”