Crowds in Altschauerberg - Opponents of the "Dragon Sovereign"
In the heart of Middle Franconia, a long-standing dispute between YouTube personality Rainer Winkler, known as Drachenlord, and his online detractors reached a new high in August 2025. The conflict, which has simmered for years, escalated when thousands of people gathered at Drachenlord's former residence in Altschauerberg, a district of Emskirchen.
The gathering, dubbed a "Schanzenfest," was announced on social media, drawing a crowd estimated to be around 4,000 strong. The town of Emskirchen had issued a general ban on gatherings of more than eight people and restrictions on noise and fireworks to prevent disturbances. However, the crowd still assembled near the area, prompting a massive police operation to maintain order and prevent the crowd from entering Altschauerberg proper.
This ongoing harassment at his residence led to frequent police interventions due to complaints including disturbances, property damage, and violence. Both sides have faced legal consequences: several haters were convicted or fined for offenses against him, and Drachenlord himself was sentenced in 2022 to a one-year suspended sentence after violent clashes with opponents[1][3].
Notably, Drachenlord had sold his house and moved away from Altschauerberg in 2023, and the house itself was demolished. Despite this, the site remains a focal point for his online antagonists, serving as a symbol and gathering point in the dispute[1][2].
The police were in the affected street to ensure order, and enforcing the ordinance was difficult due to many people being in the prohibited areas. Up to 100 people had their identities checked using IDs and residence permits. By late afternoon, most people had left or were on their way, and the police spokesperson expects the crowd to disperse in the evening[4].
The market of Emskirchen had issued an ordinance due to the expected influx, prohibiting large gatherings, noise, and fireworks in the districts of Emskirchen and Schauerberg. The police operation involved regular officers, mounted police, and special units to maintain order and prevent the crowd from entering Altschauerberg proper. Some incidents occurred, including arrests, property damage, and one injury requiring hospital treatment[2][3].
In summary, the dispute is a long-running clash between Drachenlord and his haters that escalated to real-world confrontation involving large crowds, police interventions, and legal battles. The large recent gathering at his former home was a flare-up in this continuing conflict rooted in online and offline harassment[1][2][3].
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4]
- The "Schanzenfest" gathering, located in Emskirchen's Schauerberg district, was not only a significant event in the ongoing conflict between Drachenlord and his critics but also encompassed elements of general-news, crime-and-justice, and sports, considering the associated incidents of violence, arrests, and one injury.
- Despite being absent from Altschauerberg since 2023, Drachenlord's former residence in Schauerberg continues to serve as a symbol and focal point for his online antagonists, attracting large crowds and inciting repeated clashes, implicating various laws and authorities, including sports event regulations due to the unruly nature of the gatherings.
