DreamHack stays in Stockholm — aims to become Sweden's largest festival

After last year's success which attracted over 52,000 visitors from 59 different countries, interest was high from Europe's major cities. But now it's confirmed that DreamHack will return to Stockholm in November. “We aim to be bigger than the music festivals,” says Kalle Pilfalk, Director DreamHack Festivals at ESL FACEIT Group (EFG).

Festivals in Shanghai, Dallas, Atlanta, Hyderabad, and Stockholm. Now, it's official that DreamHack will return to Stockholmsmässan in Älvsjö from November 28-30 this year. It will be the only DreamHack festival in Europe in 2025, despite interest from larger cities.

“We have had discussions with London, Paris, Munich, among others, all of whom want to host DreamHack. We had 177,000 visitors at our festivals around the world last year and DreamHack is the only Swedish festival that has been exported internationally,” says Kalle Pilfalk, Director DreamHack Festivals at EFG. “But we want a festival in Sweden, and Stockholm is our flagship in Europe even in 2025.”

Last November, after over 20 years in Jönköping, the festival took place in Stockholm for the first time. 52,000 visitors from 59 different countries set a new European record. This year, the festival will be even larger, as DreamHack takes over the entire Stockholmsmässan. The Overwatch Champions Series World, which attracted a large audience last year, returns, and DreamHack promises major competitions in several games combined with well-known artists, LAN, and a huge expo.

“We aim to be the largest festival in Sweden. The unique thing about DreamHack is that it is a place for everyone. Last year, the sleeping hall was missing; this year, they are back. We hope for over 70,000 visitors this year,” says Kalle Pilfalk.

The announcement that DreamHack will stay in Stockholm is welcomed by Anna-Karin Werner, Business Area Manager for Congresses and Guest Events at Stockholm Exhibition & Congress Centre, Stockholmsmässan:

“We are thrilled that DreamHack is returning to Stockholmsmässan in 2025. Hosting the world's most sought-after gaming event is an honour. DreamHack puts Stockholm on the map as a global gaming hub and attracts an international audience that significantly contributes to the city's tourism industry on multiple levels. It is an important business for Stockholmsmässan and a testament to our ability to deliver world-class events. As hosts, we are extremely proud to welcome an event of this magnitude.”

Last year's festival not only included the Overwatch Champions Series World Finals but also ESL Impact which featured the top women’s Counter-Strike teams with Imperial Valkyries and Swedish star Zainab “zAAz” Turkie hoisting the ESL Impact trophy on home ground. Additionally, some of Sweden's biggest artists, including Greekazo, Dizzy, and ADAAM, performed when the legendary record label Def Jam Recordings Sweden organized a concert evening on site.

In addition to DreamHack Stockholm in November, ESL FACEIT Group, the leading esports and video game entertainment company, announced four more festivals: DreamHack Atlanta in the USA and DreamHack Hyderabad in India, both taking place from 31 October to 2 November, DreamHack Shanghai from 16-18 May, and DreamHack Dallas from 23-25 May.

For more information about DreamHack, visit https://dreamhack.com/

About ESL FACEIT Group

ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) is the leading esports and video game entertainment company dedicated to creating worlds beyond gameplay where players and fans become community. EFG is built on a legacy of world-renowned brands including ESL, FACEIT, DreamHack and DreamHack Sports Games, providing innovative ecosystems for global communities of players, fans and creators around the games they love. Working alongside leading partners, brands and global IPs, EFG operates an unmatched portfolio of live events, digital platforms and developer tools that reach and engage millions of gamers worldwide. For more information visit
www.eslfaceitgroup.com

About DreamHack

DreamHack is where the gaming world comes to life. More than a festival, it’s a celebration of play, competition, and community — all under one roof. Whether you're here to meet your favorite creators, compete on stage, watch the greatest tournaments, explore new games, or adventure into our immersive expo, DreamHack is the place to connect, share, and create unforgettable moments. From esports tournaments and cosplay championships to music, gaming, and hands-on experiences, every corner is alive with energy and excitement. DreamHack is part of ESL FACEIT Group, the leading competitive games and esports company.
ESL FACEIT Group, the leading competitive games and esports company.