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DreamHack

DreamHack is a globally renowned and event series that combines massive parties, competitive tournaments, competitions, live music performances, and interactive expo experiences to celebrate gaming culture and community. Founded in in Malung, , as a modest gathering of school friends connecting computers in an elementary school basement, it has evolved into the world's largest digital , attracting tens of thousands of participants annually across multiple continents. As part of the ESL Group, a leading and competitive gaming company, DreamHack organizes events that emphasize accessibility and inclusivity, providing dedicated spaces for gamers to compete, socialize, and explore new technologies under one roof. Key features include high-stakes tournaments in titles like , , and fighting games, alongside creator meet-and-greets, hardware showcases, and family-friendly activities that draw diverse audiences from casual players to professionals. The festival holds the for the largest , achieved in 2013 with 22,810 attendees at its Winter event in , , highlighting its scale and enduring impact on the gaming industry. DreamHack's expansion beyond began in the early 2000s, with international editions now held in major cities such as , , , and , often breaking attendance records and featuring multimillion-dollar prize pools. Originally under (MTG) ownership, DreamHack merged with ESL in 2020 to form ESL Gaming. In 2022, ESL Gaming merged with to form the ESL FACEIT Group, enabling broader global reach and integration with professional circuits. Today, it partners with major brands, developers, and platforms to foster innovation, with recent events like DreamHack 2025 incorporating zones, retro gaming activations, and emerging titles to keep pace with evolving gaming trends.

Origins and History

Founding and Early Development

DreamHack originated as a in Malung, , founded in November 1994 by Martin Öjes and Kenny Eklund, who were schoolmates passionate about computers and . The inaugural event was a modest gathering of around 40 to 50 participants in the basement of a local elementary , later moving to the school for subsequent early editions. Participants brought their own computers to connect via , fostering multiplayer sessions and the exchange of floppy disks containing software, demos, and knowledge in an era when home was limited and expensive. This "bring your own computer" (BYOC) model became a defining , emphasizing community-driven participation over provided hardware and enabling 24/7 in a shared space. From 1994 to 2000, DreamHack evolved from these informal meetups into Sweden's premier digital festival, with events held annually and attracting growing numbers of enthusiasts interested in both competitive and creative . A pivotal milestone came in 1997, when the event relocated to the larger Arena Kupolen in , drawing approximately 700 to 970 attendees and establishing it as the world's largest at the time through its scale of connected computers. Organizers provided free via dial-up connections, a key draw that allowed participants to download games, updates, and demos in real-time, contrasting with the high costs elsewhere and promoting extended stays of up to five days. The festival also integrated elements of the , incorporating competitions where attendees showcased self-coded demos, music, and graphics, blending technical prowess with artistic expression. These compendiums highlighted the event's roots in the Swedish computer hobbyist culture of the . By the late , DreamHack had solidified its reputation for uninterrupted gaming marathons and communal innovation, with attendance steadily increasing through word-of-mouth in online forums and local networks. Events during this period featured a mix of casual play, tournaments in popular titles like and , and creative showcases that encouraged participants to push hardware limits. In 2001, due to escalating demand for space and facilities, the festival shifted its primary venue to the Elmia Exhibition Centre in , marking the end of its early basement-era phase.

Expansion and Milestones

DreamHack's growth accelerated in the early with a relocation to the expansive Elmia exhibition center in , , starting with the 2001 event, which provided the space needed for larger-scale gatherings. Attendance figures rose rapidly thereafter, exceeding 7,000 participants at DreamHack Winter 2006 and surpassing 10,000 by DreamHack Winter 2007, solidifying its status as Europe's premier . The acquisition of DreamHack by () in November 2015 for an enterprise value of 244 million marked a pivotal shift toward professionalization, enabling enhanced production capabilities and international outreach while maintaining core events like DreamHack Summer in . This facilitated the brand's first venture outside with the Valencia Invitational, a tournament held in September 2011. Key milestones underscored DreamHack's rising prominence, including its recognition by in 2013 for the largest with 22,810 attendees at DreamHack Winter in . The brand expanded into in 2016 with the inaugural DreamHack Austin, drawing over 24,000 visitors and introducing the festival format to a new continent. The disrupted operations, resulting in the postponement or cancellation of all in-person DreamHack festivals from mid-2020 through 2021, including major events in , , and . In September 2020, amid the pandemic, DreamHack merged with ESL under to form ESL Gaming, enhancing its integration with professional circuits. Following the , DreamHack resumed full-scale events in , with attendance rebounding strongly; DreamHack Winter 2023 in achieved a then-record 45,000 visitors, highlighted by peak daily crowds and diverse competitions. By 2024, the inaugural DreamHack drew over 52,000 attendees from 59 countries, representing the brand's most successful European festival to date and demonstrating sustained global momentum into 2025.

Organization and Operations

Ownership and Corporate Structure

DreamHack operates as a prominent brand within the ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), a global and company formed in 2022 through the merger of ESL Gaming and following their $1.5 billion acquisition by Savvy Games Group, the gaming investment arm of Saudi Arabia's . This structure positions DreamHack under a unified corporate umbrella that emphasizes integrated production, , and digital platforms, with EFG reporting annual revenues of approximately €260 million as of 2023, driven by events, partnerships, and media rights. The of DreamHack is overseen by 's executive leadership, including CEO Niccolò Maisto, who assumed sole leadership in May 2025 after co-CEO Craig Levine transitioned to an advisory role. In October 2025, underwent layoffs affecting approximately 15% of its workforce as part of a strategic realignment to focus on profitability. Within , DreamHack maintains dedicated teams focused on production, global event coordination, and sponsorship acquisition, enabling scalable operations across its festival-style events while leveraging the parent group's infrastructure for broadcasting and technology. Key strategic partnerships underpin DreamHack's operations, including a long-term global sponsorship with since 2014, which has expanded to cover multiple events, and collaborations with for hardware integrations in tournaments, alongside ties to game publishers like for titles such as . These alliances provide financial and promotional support, aligning with 's broader ecosystem. The evolution of DreamHack's ownership traces back to its full acquisition by in 2015, which facilitated its 2020 merger with ESL to form ESL Gaming and subsequent integration into EFG's framework, fostering synergies in broadcasting rights and global initiatives. This shift from an independent entity to a core component of a larger has enhanced resource sharing and market reach, solidifying its role in professional gaming.

Event Planning and Logistics

DreamHack events require meticulous planning to accommodate large-scale gatherings of gamers, with schedules typically announced 6-12 months in advance to allow for coordination across global locations. Site selection prioritizes venues like convention centers capable of hosting tens of thousands of attendees, such as the for DreamHack Atlanta or the for DreamHack Dallas, ensuring sufficient space for LAN zones, expo areas, and stages. Logistics encompass robust infrastructure for the Bring Your Own Computer (BYOC) zones, which feature thousands of reserved seats equipped with 1 Gbps Ethernet ports, power outlets, and tables measuring 48" x 30" for setups. Network deployment involves high-capacity systems, including MX960 routers capable of up to 12 Tbps and Ethernet switches for aggregation, with bandwidth reaching records like 1.6 Tbps at DreamHack Summer 2018 via DWDM links over 324 km. More recent partnerships, such as with in 2024, provide dual redundant paths delivering 20 Gbps upstream and downstream to support continuous connectivity for and streaming. Ticketing operates in tiers to cater to different attendee needs, with 3-day passes starting at $89 and premium options at $179 as of 2025, including access to all activities but no guaranteed seating. Full BYOC access, which includes reserved seating and networking, is priced higher and often sells out early, emphasizing first-come, first-served allocation. On-site amenities support 24/7 operations, with events running from early morning through late night—such as Friday from 8 AM to midnight and fully around the clock—featuring courts with vegetarian and options, booths from over 125 vendors, and security measures outlined in rules prohibiting flammable materials near power stations. Post-2020, DreamHack adapted to health protocols by postponing events like and Summer in response to the , resuming with compliance to local capacity limits and hygiene standards upon return. Sustainability efforts include a long-standing partnership with Pantamera, initiated in 2016 and renewed in 2024, extending into 2025 with initiatives such as deposit return programs and themed challenges to promote environmental responsibility at events. Vendor management involves close coordination with sponsors for booth setups and stage activations, ensuring adherence to local regulations in international venues; for instance, expo areas host over 60 artists in Artist Alley and 50+ indie games in dedicated playgrounds, integrated seamlessly into the festival layout.

Events and Formats

Core Components of DreamHack Events

DreamHack events are fundamentally centered around massive bring-your-own-computer (BYOC) LAN parties, where thousands of attendees connect their personal PCs, consoles, or laptops to a high-speed network for continuous casual and competitive gaming over the weekend. These setups provide reserved seating, power outlets, Ethernet ports, and ample table space, enabling participants to immerse themselves in multiplayer sessions without interruption, fostering a communal atmosphere of shared screens and spontaneous collaborations. Beyond the LAN core, events feature a diverse array of activities designed to engage gamers of varying interests, including cosplay competitions with workshops and community showcases, hardware exhibitions from vendors displaying cutting-edge gear, and developer meet-and-greets where attendees interact with indie creators in dedicated zones like the Indie Playground. Free-play areas offer access to PC, console, , and arcade games, including titles like and emerging indie releases, allowing casual exploration without competitive pressure. The atmosphere of DreamHack events is that of an energetic, non-stop 72-hour festival, running continuously from Friday to Sunday with round-the-clock access to and spaces, promoting an inclusive environment for all ages through family passes and age-appropriate programming. Themed nights enhance the immersive vibe, such as the Halloween Costume Carnival at 2025, which awarded $20,000 in prizes for standout outfits judged on-site. Unique features further distinguish DreamHack, including artist alleys where digital and traditional creators sell , cosplay-inspired art, and original works, alongside merchandise zones offering exclusive gaming apparel and gear. experiences in free-play sections provide hands-on demos of immersive titles, from action simulations to social games, complementing the physical focus. Following the 2020 pandemic, DreamHack evolved to incorporate elements, blending in-person festivals with online streaming via dedicated studios and tournaments to extend accessibility beyond physical attendees.

Global Locations and Schedules

DreamHack maintains a strong presence in , , and , with events tailored to regional gaming preferences while preserving core festival elements like parties and competitions. Originating in , the event has expanded internationally since the early , hosting annual festivals in multiple continents to accommodate growing global audiences. In , DreamHack's spiritual home, events have been held annually since 2001, initially in at the Elmia Exhibition and Convention Centre and more recently in at Stockholmsmässan to leverage urban accessibility. The 2025 edition in is scheduled for November 28 to 30, continuing the annual tradition with a focus on European LAN heritage, including bring-your-own-computer setups and community-driven activities that echo the event's grassroots origins. North American events emphasize large-scale esports integrations, with Atlanta serving as a key hub since 2023. The 2025 DreamHack Atlanta, held from October 31 to November 2 at the , drew nearly 40,000 attendees, positioning it as the largest edition in the city's history and featuring major tournaments alongside expo halls. Looking ahead, DreamHack Atlanta returns May 15–17, 2026, promising expanded programming to capitalize on the U.S. market's competitive focus. DreamHack's Asian expansion targets the region's booming mobile and scenes, with the 2025 edition in , , from October 31 to November 2 at the HITEX Exhibition Centre, integrating gaming with pop culture elements like and retro zones to appeal to diverse audiences. Regional adaptations in highlight mobile gaming growth through dedicated zones and partnerships, contrasting Europe's LAN-centric model and North America's emphasis on high-stakes PC tournaments. Upcoming schedules include a co-event with ESL One in , , from March 27–29, 2026, at the , blending DreamHack's festival vibe with premier competition to bridge European traditions. Attendance trends show robust post-pandemic recovery, with over 52,000 visitors at 2024 and figures exceeding 40,000 at major 2025 events like and , surpassing the 2019 peak of around 52,000 amid renewed global interest.

Esports Tournaments

Tournament Structure and Games

DreamHack's esports tournaments typically begin with open online qualifiers accessible to and players worldwide, culminating in on-site finals held during the festival itself. These qualifiers filter participants through stages like seeding rounds and elimination brackets, ensuring a competitive field for the live event. Formats vary by game to suit its mechanics and competitive standards; for instance, fighting games such as and often employ single-elimination brackets with best-of-three or best-of-five matches, while first-person shooters like feature Swiss-system group stages followed by playoffs to accommodate larger team rosters. The tournaments prominently feature a diverse array of titles, with serving as a cornerstone through ongoing series like DreamHack Open and Masters, which maintain a regular presence in the event calendar. Fighting games form another key category, including , , and at events like DreamHack 2025, emphasizing precision-based one-on-one competition. Mobile esports titles, such as and elements of Mobile Legends-inspired formats, cater to the growing audience, while variety games like provide strategic depth through play. Prize pools for major DreamHack tournaments generally range from $100,000 to $500,000 per event, distributed across top placements to incentivize participation and , though totals can scale higher when aggregating multiple competitions at a single . For example, the ESL Impact league finals at DreamHack 2025 offered $150,000, distributed tiered across placements. These events are broadcast live on via dedicated channels like DreamHack and ESLCS, featuring professional commentary to engage global audiences, under an exclusive multi-year streaming partnership established in 2020. Esports tournaments integrate seamlessly with the broader DreamHack festival, running parallel to the BYOC LAN zones where attendees bring their own setups for casual play, allowing professional players to interact with fans in shared community areas. This setup fosters a environment of high-stakes and accessible . Following the 2016 partnership and subsequent integration under the ESL Group, DreamHack's major events have been elevated to S-Tier status in the ecosystem, aligning with premier circuits like for enhanced prestige and qualification pathways.

Notable Tournaments and Achievements

DreamHack has hosted numerous high-profile esports tournaments that have shaped competitive gaming landscapes, particularly in titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Dota 2. One standout event was DreamHack Open Winter 2017, where () emerged victorious in the CS:GO competition, defeating mousesports 2-0 in the grand final to claim the $50,000 top prize from a $100,000 pool. This tournament underscored DreamHack's role in fostering intense international rivalries early in the CS:GO professional scene. In more recent years, DreamHack Atlanta 2025 exemplified the organization's growing scale, featuring side events for and fighting games, contributing to a total prize pool exceeding $6.6 million across 10 tournaments. These events highlighted DreamHack's ability to integrate multiple game ecosystems, drawing top professional teams and enhancing cross-title visibility. For instance, in at DreamHack Knockout 2025, defeated in the finals to win the event. DreamHack tournaments have produced multiple world champions, notably in CS:GO through its hosting of Valve Majors such as DreamHack Winter 2013 (won by ) and DreamHack 2015 (won by Team EnVyUs), and in via series like DreamLeague, where teams including Gaimin Gladiators have claimed titles in seasons with $1 million prize pools. The 2025 Asian Champions League, co-hosted with DreamHack Shanghai, became one of the year's top-viewed events, attracting millions of online viewers across disciplines like , , and Street Fighter 6. Notable records include DreamHack Winter 2023's CS:GO event, which peaked at over 136,000 viewers during qualifiers and contributed to the festival's overall 4.51 million hours watched across . Additionally, DreamHack's early 2018 Fortnite tournaments, such as those at Sevilla and , helped integrate the into competitive metas by providing structured formats and prize pools that popularized duo and squad playstyles. Recent highlights from 2025 include the Hyderabad debut, which emphasized mobile esports through Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) zones supporting titles like PUBG Mobile alongside traditional PC and console competitions. At DreamHack Dallas 2025, the ESL Impact finals saw Team Falcons win the $150,000 prize pool event. Looking ahead, DreamHack Birmingham 2026 is previewed as a co-event with ESL One Dota 2, featuring 16 top teams vying for the championship at the NEC Arena from March 27–29.

Cultural Impact and Community

LAN Parties and Fan Engagement

Over the decades, it evolved from this grassroots model into the world's largest , holding for attendance multiple times, with events expanding to include dedicated zones for casual tournaments, social gaming, and networking opportunities that blend competition with community interaction. By the , these LAN areas had scaled significantly, accommodating thousands of participants in bring-your-own-computer (BYOC) setups equipped with high-speed Ethernet and power, as seen in recent festivals where attendees formed impromptu teams and forged connections amid the event's immersive atmosphere. Central to DreamHack's appeal are its fan engagement tactics, which transform events into interactive hubs beyond professional . Fan zones host meet-and-greets, Ask Me Anything () sessions with professional gamers and streamers, and parades that encourage creative expression and inclusivity. In 2019, DreamHack hosted an all-women Showdown CS:GO tournament with a prize pool to promote in . These initiatives, including competitions open to all skill levels, draw diverse crowds and amplify participant voices, with parades and showcases highlighting fan-made costumes inspired by popular games. The festival builds lasting community through digital extensions and post-event support, maintaining an official server with over 125,000 members for ongoing discussions, event planning, and virtual meetups. Organizers amplify via official blogs and social channels, sharing attendee stories, recaps, and highlights from LAN sessions to sustain momentum between events. This approach has cultivated a where participants report forming enduring friendships, reinforced by the shared intensity of multi-day experiences that encourage collaboration and camaraderie. Attendance metrics underscore this loyalty, with the 2025 Atlanta event attracting over 40,000 unique visitors, many returning for the social bonds and inclusive vibe that define DreamHack's core.

Broader Influence on Gaming Culture

DreamHack has played a pivotal role in mainstreaming culture, transforming informal gatherings of gamers into large-scale festivals that blend competition, creativity, and community. Originating in in the 1990s, the event grew to set for the largest multiple times, including with 22,810 participants in 2013, which helped legitimize and popularize offline multiplayer experiences globally. This format influenced the evolution of conventions by emphasizing accessible, hands-on participation, paving the way for hybrid events that integrate with cultural activities. The festival has significantly promoted indie games through dedicated showcases, providing developers with platforms to engage directly with audiences. For instance, at DreamHack Atlanta 2025, the Indie Playground allowed attendees to play-test over 60 unique titles and interact with creators, fostering visibility for emerging talent and contributing to the broader indie gaming ecosystem. Such initiatives highlight DreamHack's commitment to nurturing diverse game development, beyond mainstream titles. In terms of media impact, DreamHack's partnerships with platforms like and have amplified its global reach, enabling millions to experience events remotely. Through ESL Group's expanded deals, broadcasts of DreamHack tournaments, including the ESL Pro Tour, are streamed on both services, drawing international viewership and integrating gaming into mainstream digital entertainment. Additionally, the 2015 short documentary "No Regrets," produced for DreamHack Open , captured the intensity of qualifiers, further embedding the event in gaming media narratives. DreamHack has bolstered esports legitimacy by hosting high-profile tournaments that attract professional teams and scouts, contributing to the professionalization of competitive gaming in regions like , where it has helped establish as a hub for offline culture. Its and participants have gone on to influence the industry, with events serving as launchpads for careers in team management and organization. On sustainability, DreamHack renewed its partnership with Pantamera in 2024, continuing efforts since 2018 to promote and reduce waste at Swedish events, while its parent company ESL Gaming achieved CO2 neutrality in 2021 through carbon offsets certified by the . In 2025, DreamHack events aligned with industry shifts toward inclusivity and innovation, with Atlanta's edition emphasizing a "vibrant, diverse, and passionate" gaming community through varied programming that welcomed participants from multiple backgrounds. This focus on supports broader cultural movements in gaming toward more representative experiences.

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