Multitude in Altschauerberg - Opponents of the "Dragon Sovereign"
In the heart of Middle Franconia, a long-standing feud between German YouTuber Rainer Winkler, known as the "Drachenlord," and his antagonistic community, has become a subject of intense scrutiny. The conflict, known as the "Drachengame," has escalated from an online battle to real-life confrontations, particularly in the small district of Altschauerberg, Emskirchen.
Winkler, a prominent figure in the German YouTube scene, has found himself at the centre of a storm of harassment and real-life confrontations from a group known as his "Haters" or "Anti-Fans." The animosity has led to physical gatherings, with Altschauerberg becoming a hotspot for the conflict.
Thousands of people, often instigated by social media, have visited Winkler's former residence in Altschauerberg with the intention of provoking or harassing him. These visits have resulted in numerous police interventions due to disturbances, vandalism, and unlawful acts by both sides. The conflict has been marked by cyberbullying, including stalking and property damage.
In October 2021, Winkler sold his house in Altschauerberg to the local municipality and moved away. The abandoned house and dilapidated garage were subsequently demolished by the municipality. However, the harassment continued, with police issuing restraining orders against attackers at Winkler's new locations.
Most recently, on August 9, 2025, a large gathering of Winkler's opponents, numbering up to 4,000 people, congregated near the former Drachenlord residence in Altschauerberg. The event, called a "Schanzenfest," was organised through social media. Despite the event being officially banned, the large turnout led to significant police challenges and public disorder.
The ongoing feud between the Drachenlord and his opponents highlights complex issues of internet culture, harassment, and the challenges faced by small communities when large groups converge due to online calls to action. The market of Emskirchen has since issued an ordinance prohibiting large gatherings, noise, and fireworks in certain areas.
The police deployed numerous officers, a mounted unit, and a support command to manage the situation. Fireworks were set off in a wooded area, and by late afternoon, most people had left or were on their way. The police have had to intervene multiple times due to disturbances, property damage, assault, and other incidents related to the feud.
The Drachenlord controversy continues to unfold, shedding light on the potential dangers of online harassment and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. The feud remains ongoing, with no immediate resolution in sight.
- The Drachengame, initially an online battle, has escalated due to social media, leading to large gatherings of people aiming to harass Rainer Winkler, resulting in crime and justice issues such as disturbances, vandalism, and assault.
- The "Schanzenfest", organized through social media, attracted thousands of people to Altschauerberg, causing public disorder, property damage, and necessitating intervention by the police, highlighting the challenges small communities face when large groups converge due to online calls to action.
