DreamHack and ESL One are taking place in Birmingham next year!
DreamHack and ESL One just announced that their flagship gaming and esports events will land in Birmingham in March 2026! DreamHack Birmingham 2026, in particular, will mark the festival’s first-ever stop in the United Kingdom (UK). Meanwhile, ESL One will return with a $1 million Dota 2 tournament.
DreamHack Birmingham 2026
DreamHack Birmingham 2026 will happen between March 27 to and March 29. The three-day event will be hosted at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and feature esports tournaments, cosplay, live music, creators, tabletop games, and more.
“The UK has one of the world’s most passionate gaming communities, yet it’s still underserved when it comes to festivals that unite every part of gaming culture," Shahin Zarrabi, the vice president of festivals at ESL FACEIT Group. (EFG) said. “That’s why we’re bringing DreamHack to Birmingham — a city with a proven track record and the perfect stage for our UK debut. We’re here for the long term: to invest, grow, and build something even bigger together with the community.”
According to Statista, the esports market in the UK is projected to reach $250.7 million in revenue in 2025, with growth expected to reach $304.4 million by 2029. The number of users is also estimated to reach 23.8 million by 2029.
“Esports has exploded into one of the fastest-growing parts of our economy," Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, said. "Our arenas are buzzing with global fans and players for events like DreamHack and ESL One." Parker added that the West Midlands aims to become the UK’s top place for esports by combining local talent, world-class studios, and support from gaming’s biggest names.
ESL One Birmingham 2026
Speaking of ESL One, the event will also take place in Birmingham next year. The venue will be bp pulse LIVE, and the Dota 2 esports event will happen between March 22 and March 29. There, the top 16 teams will duke it out for spots in the playoffs.
“Returning to Birmingham with ESL One is a huge moment for us and the Dota 2 community,” Álvaro Sánchez Velasco, the product manager of Dota 2 at EFG, said. “This year is even more special as we join forces with DreamHack to create a truly unique festival atmosphere. We can’t wait to bring the best of Dota 2 esports to a city that has shown us so much passion over the years we've been here.”
Tickets to DreamHack Birmingham 2026 and ESL One Birmingham 2026 will be available starting Sept. 23 at 7 a.m. PT.
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