Hordes of individuals hostile towards the title "Dragon Lord" have descended upon Altschauerberg.
In the small town of Emskirchen, Middle Franconia, a long-standing conflict between the YouTuber known as "Drachenlord" (Rainer Winkler) and his opponents has escalated from online harassment to real-world confrontations.
For years, Winkler has been targeted by self-proclaimed "haters," who would gather and provoke confrontations at his former home in Altschauerberg. These gatherings, known as "Schanzenfests," have attracted thousands of people despite Winkler moving away in 2023 and his former house being demolished.
The intensity of these conflicts reached a peak in August 2025, when around 4,000 people gathered near his former home area, prompting a massive police operation. Authorities banned gatherings larger than eight people but faced challenges in preventing crowds from assembling. The police reported various misdemeanors, including resistance and property damage, during these confrontations.
To prevent future incidents, local authorities have issued a general decree and deployed a heavy police presence. The decree prohibits large gatherings, noise, and fireworks in the areas of Emskirchen and Altschauerberg. Around 100 people had their identities checked using IDs and residence permits.
In the past, the police had to intervene several times a day due to incidents related to the "Drachenlord" and his opponents. In 2018, a ban on assembly was imposed due to the expected presence of 10,000 "haters," but 800 still attended, leading to 150 dispersal orders being issued.
Efforts to address this ongoing conflict have extended beyond law enforcement. Initiatives focused on digital literacy and social media moderation aim to address online harassment that fuels offline tension. Several of Winkler's opponents have been convicted of crimes against him or punished for administrative offenses, while Winkler himself has also appeared in court several times due to his own violent actions. In 2022, he was sentenced to a one-year suspended sentence by the Nuremberg-Fürth Regional Court.
The situation in Altschauerberg and Emskirchen remains a complex interplay between online fame, harassment, and real-world consequences. By late afternoon on the day of the latest gathering, most people had left or were on their way, leaving the small town to return to its peaceful state.
The European Parliament and the Council might consider regulations to ensure responsible behavior on social-media platforms, aimed at preventing such escalations from online conflicts to real-world incidents like the one in Emskirchen. In the attempt to maintain peace and order in Emskirchen, the local entertainment scene could be encouraged to organize events that foster unity and positive interaction, acting as a counterpoint to the divisive gatherings surrounding the "Drachenlord" controversy.
