Press release -
‘GLASTONBURY OF GAMING’ TO RETURN TO BIRMINGHAM IN 2027 AS DREAMHACK ANNOUNCES RECORD BREAKING UK DEBUT
- ESL FACEIT Group proudly announce the return of DreamHack Birmingham in 2027, following a record-breaking inaugural UK event at the NEC.
- Angryginge from Bov Boys and Miniminter, Zerkaa, and TBJZL of the Sidemen spearheaded the weekend’s programming, engaging with a 54,000+ strong crowd at the NEC over the three-day festival.
- Red Bull, DHL, Samsung, and Formula 1® were among 60 local and global partners bringing the pinnacle of culture, gaming and entertainment to Birmingham’s doors.
- British and global talent alike competed for a £1,300,000 collective prize pool, offering fans front-row access to professionals across Call of Duty®, Dota 2, F1 Sim Racing and more.
- Sign up for the DreamHack newsletter for more information regarding DreamHack Birmingham 2027 and to be notified of early ticket sales at: https://dhk.gg/early-access-birmingham
- Imagery highlights can be found here. All event photography is compiled here. Videos are available for download here or on YouTube here. Full press kit can be viewed here
Birmingham, 30th March 2026: DreamHack, the premier global gaming lifestyle festival, has today officially confirmed its return to Birmingham in 2027 after a historic UK debut.
Following a weekend of high-octane esports and gaming celebrations, ESL FACEIT Group are proud to announce that DreamHack Birmingham will return to the NEC from 2-4 April 2027.
The news comes as the 2026 edition draws to a close, marking a definitive milestone for the UK’s gaming scene. This year’s festival welcomed over 54,000 fans to the NEC, featuring attendees travelling from 65 different countries. This landmark performance shatters the 32-year global festival’s record for inaugural regional attendance.
In a definitive moment for UK creator culture, DreamHack Birmingham 2026 brought 800+ of the biggest internet sensations off the screen and into the heart of the NEC. The UK’s very own Angryginge, Heinz, and Jakey of The Bov Boys and the Sidemen’s Miniminter, Zerkaa, and TBJZL bought high-stakes showdowns against the crowd, with the festival proving to be the ultimate destination for fans to bridge the digital divide as thousands secured rare, face-to-face moments with their idols in intimate Meet & Greet sessions.
The festival floor was powered by 60 partners, exhibitors, and vendors, with DreamHack bringing global giants such as Red Bull, DHL, Samsung and Formula 1®, alongside local and global developers to Birmingham’s doors to showcase the latest in gaming innovation.
Across three days of non-stop programming, fans witnessed elite global teams battle for a £1,300,000 collective prize pool. Main stages offered front-row access to the world’s top professional athletes across Call of Duty®, Dota 2, F1 Sim Racing and more, with British and global stars alike cheered on by the roar of sold-out arenas. World-class cosplayers transformed the NEC halls into a living gallery, with DreamHack’s celebration of artistry reaching its peak in a high-stakes competition for a share of the £8,000 prize. Viral moments from the tournament floor dominated global gaming trends throughout the weekend, cementing DreamHack’s reputation as a high-decibel powerhouse on the world entertainment stage.
Shahin Zarrabi, VP Festivals at ESL FACEIT Group, said: “The success of DreamHack Birmingham 2026 proves that the UK has been looking for a gaming epicentre to complement the national festival scene. We are proud to continue building this scale of entertainment for the community, and by committing to Birmingham for 2027, we are looking to establish a lasting legacy that is unique to the UK by setting a new gold standard.”
Sign up to DreamHack’s newsletter for more information about DreamHack Birmingham 2027 and to be notified for early ticket sales at https://dhk.gg/early-access-birmingham
-ENDS-
Press Contacts
Nick Caplin | EFG | VP Corporate Communications & PR
Georgina Vincent | Swipe Right | Associate Director
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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.
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 general information on ESL FACEIT Group, visit eslfaceitgroup.com, the EFG Newsroom or follow ESL FACEIT Group on LinkedIn.
