DreamHack Birmingham

DreamHack Birmingham is a prestigious digital entertainment festival held annually at the NEC National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, United Kingdom. As part of the international DreamHack series—which originated from a Swedish LAN party in Malung—the UK edition stands as a celebration of gaming culture, technological innovation, and digital creativity. Organised by the ESL FACEIT Group, a leading provider of esports and digital events, the festival brings together professional competitions, cutting-edge tech, and a passionate community under one roof.

At its core, the event focuses on gaming, esports, technology, design, digital art, and communication. Spanning the expansive halls of the NEC, over 125 exhibitors showcase the latest trends in hardware, software, game development, entertainment, and the digital creative industries. The diversity ranges from indie studios and advanced peripherals to immersive VR experiences and tabletop gaming.

A major highlight of DreamHack Birmingham is its international esports tournaments. Top professional teams from around the world compete in high-profile events such as Counter-Strike 2 (IEM Birmingham), the Call of Duty League, and ESL Impact, a tournament series dedicated to women’s teams. The esports programme is further enhanced by unique formats like the GeoGuessr Major, as well as competitions in classic titles like chess and StarCraft II, all hosted as part of the Esports World Cup. Another standout is the massive BYOC (“Bring Your Own Computer”) LAN party, one of the largest of its kind worldwide, offering players a unique space for competition and community.

Beyond gaming, DreamHack Birmingham embraces its role as a cultural event. With cosplay contests, a Creator Hub featuring meet & greets, live music, community challenges, and interactive shows like the live-action roleplay “Dungeons & Drag Queens”, the festival delivers an experience that goes far beyond the screen. The Artist Alley gives creators from around the globe the opportunity to exhibit their work—from digital illustrations to handcrafted merchandise.

DreamHack Birmingham exemplifies the diversity and innovative spirit of digital culture. It brings together voices from tech, gaming, education, and content creation. The audience is as international as it is varied—ranging from esports professionals and gaming enthusiasts to students, families, creatives, and industry professionals.

The NEC Birmingham has been chosen as the venue for its ability to meet the high technical standards of DreamHack. Its central location in the UK, combined with excellent transport links via Birmingham Airport and public transport, ensures a smooth and accessible experience for attendees. State-of-the-art infrastructure and generous exhibition spaces provide the perfect setting for an event of this scale.

DreamHack Birmingham is far more than just a convention—it is a vibrant hub of digital culture. As a platform for innovation, creativity, and community, it sets new standards in the world of digital entertainment.

The DreamHack will take place on 3 days from Friday, 27. March to Sunday, 29. March 2026 in Birmingham.