On June 19, 2025, the King Tiger, the world's only operational tank from the Second World War era, reached British soil. The intensive collaboration between World of Tanks, The Tank Museum and the Musée des Blindés in France made it possible to transport the 70-ton vehicle across national borders. Main sponsor World of Tanks played a crucial role by financing and organizing the safe transport.

The King Tiger is a masterpiece of engineering and a symbol of historic tank technology. Originally deployed during the Normandy landings in 1944, it combines the massive protective qualities of the Tiger I and the penetrating firepower of the 88 mm KwK 43 L/71 gun. Despite its impressive strength, the vehicle also had weaknesses: High susceptibility to breakdowns and fuel problems limited its operational possibilities, and many King Tigers were destroyed by their own troops before a possible conquest.

Today, the limited number of units - only around 490 were ever produced - is a reminder of the rarity and historical value of these vehicles. Of the few surviving models, only one King Tiger, restored by the Musée des Blindés, is fully functional again. Its presence at TANKFEST is a special highlight for all military and history enthusiasts.

History and technical masterpiece

The exhibition of the King Tiger at TANKFEST 2025 is more than just a display of technical finesse; the vehicle also reflects the strategic challenges of the Second World War. On the battlefield, the King Tiger was able to repel entire formations when deployed strategically. For the Allies, it was as fearsome as it was problematic - its absolute strength was offset by its operational weaknesses.

At TANKFEST, this piece of history will be brought back to life. "The opportunity to see this rare tank up close will be unforgettable for museum guests and World of Tanks players," said Richard Cutland, Head of Military Relations at Wargaming. Visitors can experience the demonstration live on site on June 29, 2025 or watch the livestream on YouTube.

Merchandise and other attractions

To accompany the event, Wargaming has released exclusive World of Tanks merchandise, which will be available both on-site and online. This special collection offers fans worldwide the opportunity to show off their passion for historic tank technology. However, if you can't be there, you can experience TANKFEST and the King Tiger in digital format via the livestream.