Wargaming has announced that acclaimed actor Benedict Cumberbatch will headline the upcoming Holiday Ops 2026 event for the popular game World of Tanks. Starting on December 5, 2025, and continuing until January 12, 2026, this year’s festive celebration promises a unique experience for players, featuring Cumberbatch as a new celebrity ambassador and playable tank commander.
The Holiday Ops event is known for its engaging seasonal content, and this year it aims to provide players with a “magical winter adventure.” Cumberbatch, recognized for his roles in productions like Sherlock and Doctor Strange, will guide players through special missions, offering bespoke challenges and his signature charismatic commentary.
In a statement, Cumberbatch expressed his excitement about joining the World of Tanks community. “I’m thrilled to be part of World of Tanks’ Holiday Ops this year. It’s a game that celebrates strategy, teamwork, and thinking a few steps ahead,” he said. He emphasized the joy of collaborating with the team to infuse a bit of festive spirit into the game.
Alongside Cumberbatch’s involvement, Wargaming continues its tradition of releasing a new short film for Holiday Ops. This year’s narrative follows Sebastian, a shy office worker who struggles to connect with his coworker, Sarah. Cumberbatch’s character serves as a quirky therapist, guiding Sebastian through unconventional exercises to boost his confidence, all while integrating elements from World of Tanks.
The game remains a leading title in the free-to-play category, boasting over 800 historically inspired vehicles and more than a decade of expansions and events that enhance the immersive experience for players. Holiday Ops 2026 not only promises festive gameplay but also introduces exclusive in-game rewards, including Cumberbatch’s full likeness as a tank commander, complete with unique voice lines recorded specifically for this event.
Fans of the franchise can look forward to the onset of Holiday Ops 2026 on December 5 across both PC and console platforms. As the gaming community prepares for this exciting seasonal event, further updates are expected to emerge, making this a holiday season to remember for World of Tanks players and fans alike.