DreamHack is finally coming to the UK. The long-running gaming and esports festival will land in Birmingham in March 2026, marking its first ever event on British soil.
The festival will run alongside ESL One Birmingham, which returns for its fourth edition with a $1 million prize pool. Sixteen of the world’s best Dota 2 teams will compete, bringing back one of esports’ most prestigious tournaments to a city that has demonstrated its passion for the game.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said the region is ready to seize the moment. “Esports has exploded into one of the fastest-growing parts of our economy. Our colleges and universities are full of young talent learning the skills to succeed in this multi-billion-pound industry. And with world-class studios already here, and backing from gaming’s biggest names, we’re making the West Midlands the UK’s number one place to create, watch and play esports.”
For ESL FACEIT Group, it’s about giving the UK gaming scene a home on the global stage. Shahin Zarrabi, VP Festivals, said: “The UK has one of the world’s most passionate gaming communities, yet it’s still underserved when it comes to festivals that unite every part of gaming culture. That’s why we’re bringing DreamHack to Birmingham — a city with a proven track record and the perfect stage for our UK debut. We’re here for the long term.”
Álvaro Sánchez Velasco, Product Manager for Dota 2, added: “Returning to Birmingham with ESL One is a huge moment for us and the Dota 2 community. This year is even more special as we join forces with DreamHack to create a truly unique festival atmosphere.”
The UK esports market is expected to generate $250.7 million in 2025 and reach nearly 24 million users by 2029. With almost 40 million gamers nationwide, the timing for DreamHack’s arrival couldn’t be better.
Both DreamHack and ESL One will be hosted at NEC Birmingham and bp pulse LIVE, two of the country’s biggest venues, welcoming players and fans from across the world.
- Dates: March 27 – 29, 2026
- Location: National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, UK
- DreamHack is the world’s leading gaming lifestyle festival, bringing together all gaming communities to celebrate games and internet pop culture.
- Across three days, DreamHack Birmingham will invite fans to explore esports tournaments, cosplay, live music, creators, tabletop games, and so much more, all in one vibrant, community-driven space.
- The iconic festival comes to the UK following celebrated stints across the globe, including in Europe, North America and Asia.
- Dates: March 22 – 29, 2026.
- Location: bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham, UK.
- ESL One is one of the biggest and renowned Dota 2 tournament series that brings together the best teams and players from around the world.
- 16 teams will compete in a round robin format, with 8-team double-elimination Playoffs.
- The final three days of the competition will take place in front of a live audience.
- Last year’s ESL One Birmingham saw a peak viewership of over 327,000. Over 18,000 fans from across the world attended the bp pulse LIVE on the final three days of the tournament, witnessing Team Falcons taking home the trophy.
