DreamHack, an ESL FACEIT Group brand is set to break new ground in 2024 as it enters Stockholm, the gaming capital of Scandinavia. The festival, which originated in Sweden back in 1994, welcomes gamers from all over the world to Stockholmsmässan on November 22-24, 2024.
Having toured numerous Swedish cities and hosted events worldwide, from San Diego to Melbourne, India, and Tokyo, DreamHack has entranced a global gaming community since its inception. This new chapter, entering the gaming capital of Scandinavia, brings the festival full circle on its home turf, becoming the must-visit gaming destination of the year.“Bringing DreamHack to Stockholm is not just another expansion, it’s a personal mission. Gaming simply belongs here. We’re weaving a new thread in the city’s cultural tapestry, celebrating the unique spirit that makes gaming in Stockholm so special. From content creators & talented cosplayers to the newest games & hardware and best esports, we’re creating an arena for everyone to celebrate their community”, says Shahin Zarrabi, Vice President of Festivals at ESL FACEIT Group.
DreamHack Stockholm is poised to elevate the festival gaming experience, building upon the foundations laid by its predecessors, with international connections and a major venue. The city, known for its status as one of the highest video game-exporting hubs per capita, has played a pivotal role in birthing iconic titles such as Minecraft, Battlefield, and Candy Crush. These games, born from the phenomenon known as “det svenska spelundret” (the Swedish gaming wonder), have captivated the global gaming community and reached hundreds of millions of players worldwide. The venue, Stockholmsmässan, is the largest exhibition facility in the Nordic region.
”I am very pleased to welcome DreamHack to Stockholm in 2024. DreamHack brings together gamers from different corners of the globe promoting cultural exchange and entrepreneurship. This festival holds a significant importance for Stockholm and underscores its pivotal role in the global gaming community and the game development industry. Our city has more game developers per capita than anywhere else in the world, and is a creative hotspot where esport, tech, music and fashion intersect. This is an important step in reinforcing Stockholms reputation as a welcoming and progressive destination for the gaming community”, says Staffan Ingvarsson, CEO Stockholm Business Region.
“We are excited to host DreamHack Stockholm at Stockholmsmässan in November next year. To host a festival that sparks the interest of young people in gaming and esports activities is significant and it is a fantastic opportunity to welcome not only those who already are interested in gaming but also to welcome and create interests for new participants. Since esports and gaming as live events are growing in Sweden and globally, we are happy to welcome such a festival to Stockholm and Stockholmsmässan”, says Christian Clemens CEO at Stockholmsmässan.
Teaming up with various partners and organizations, including returning presenting partner Elgiganten, DreamHack Stockholm is set to transcend the realm of gaming, embracing various facets of the entertainment industry. The festival, known for its diverse offerings, aims to expand its reach and build on past successes at DreamHack Winter, which has previously included live music acts, collaborations with Swedish tech partners, and film nights. The gaming and lifestyle festival provides attendees with a unique opportunity to not only play and compete but also to connect with their favorite content creators and engage with their communities whilst tapping into the rich gaming heritage of Stockholm and joining the ranks of prestigious events previously hosted in the city. From the FIFA World Cup to the Olympics, Eurovision, and more, DreamHack will, rightfully, stand alongside giants, ready to make its mark on Stockholm’s event landscape. The events strive to cover multiple aspects, creating an immersive experience for attendees.
“Our multiyear partnership with DreamHack is one of our most important investments into the Gaming community. It’s also a partnership that we are very passionate about. Gaming brings people together, and with this new festival in Stockholm, it will become even easier for people to gather and enjoy the amazing experience that DreamHack has to offer. We look forward to DreamHack Stockholm 2024 and will do our best to bring it to the next level together with the team at EFG”, says Alexander Åberg, Gaminglead at Elgiganten.
Gaming will remain a key aspect of DreamHack Stockholm, and its location in the heart of Sweden aims to attract visitors from across the country and Europe. Front and center are the attendees themselves as they dive into the immersive experience, engage with their favorite content creators, play games with or against each other, and immerse themselves in various esports competitions, both as players and spectators, as the festival celebrates all corners of the industry. Amongst all of this, the world-famous LAN party will, of course, also be featured in a dedicated hall of its own.
Stockholm will be the second festival stop for DreamHack in Sweden, whilst Jönköping will continue to serve as the perfect backdrop for DreamHack Summer on June 14-16.