Following a historic UK debut, DreamHack, the world’s premier gaming lifestyle festival, has officially confirmed its return to Birmingham’s NEC from 2-4 April 2027.
The announcement comes as the 2026 edition concluded a record-breaking weekend, welcoming over 54,000 fans from 65 countries. This impressive turnout smashed previous attendance records for DreamHack’s 32-year global festival history, solidifying Birmingham’s place on the international gaming map.
Gaming Creators and Fans Unite
DreamHack Birmingham 2026 was a milestone moment for UK creator culture, bringing over 800 of the world’s biggest internet personalities to the festival floor. Fans were treated to appearances from homegrown talents such as Angryginge, Heinz, Jakey of The Bov Boys, alongside Sidemen stars Miniminter, Zerkaa, and TBJZL. With intimate Meet & Greet sessions and high-stakes challenges, attendees experienced face-to-face interactions with their digital idols, bridging the gap between online fame and real-world connections.
World-Class Partners and Exhibitions
The festival floor featured 60 partners, exhibitors, and vendors, including global giants like Red Bull, Samsung, DHL, and Formula 1®. From local indie developers to international gaming studios, DreamHack showcased cutting-edge technology and the latest gaming innovations.
Elite Esports and Cosplay Extravaganza
Over three days, fans witnessed top-tier esports competitions with a £1,300,000 collective prize pool, featuring games like Call of Duty, Dota 2, and F1 Sim Racing. Sold-out arenas erupted as British and international esports stars competed at the highest level.
Cosplay enthusiasts also brought the festival to life, turning the NEC halls into a living art gallery. World-class cosplayers competed for a share of an £8,000 prize, creating viral moments that dominated global gaming trends.
Shahin Zarrabi, VP Festivals at ESL FACEIT Group, commented:
“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.”
About DreamHack
DreamHack is more than a festival — it’s a celebration of play, competition, and community. From esports tournaments and cosplay championships to hands-on gaming experiences, music, and immersive expos, DreamHack connects fans and creators, delivering unforgettable moments.
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