DreamHack Debuts in Birmingham With Record $1.7 Million Prize Pool Across Eight Major Esports Titles

DreamHack’s first UK festival hits Birmingham in March 2026. Featuring a $1.7M prize pool, ESL One Dota 2, and Call of Duty Major II at the NEC.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 4:51 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Inven Global

DreamHack Establishes Strategic Foothold in United Kingdom Market

The global gaming festival brand DreamHack has officially announced its first-ever United Kingdom event, selecting Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre as the venue for a landmark esports gathering. With a total prize purse exceeding $1.7 million, the festival represents one of the most significant financial investments in a single-location esports event in the country’s history. This move integrates Birmingham into a 2026 international circuit that includes major stops in Sweden and the United States, signaling a concerted effort to capitalize on the growing British appetite for large-scale live gaming experiences.

Dota 2 Headline Event Dominates Festival Prize Distribution

At the center of the competitive lineup is ESL One Birmingham 2026, a premier Dota 2 tournament carrying a substantial $1 million prize pool. The competition is expected to feature a 16-team elite field, with prominent organizations such as Team Spirit, Tundra Esports, and Team Falcons already confirmed for the event. To accommodate the expected influx of spectators, the matches will be staged at the bp pulse LIVE arena, providing a high-capacity environment adjacent to the primary festival floor. This specific tournament serves as the festival’s financial anchor, drawing the highest tier of international talent to the Midlands.

Call of Duty League and Warzone Integration

The festival also serves as the host for the Call of Duty League Major II, which brings twelve franchised professional teams to the UK to compete for $365,000. In addition to the franchised circuit, the event will premiere the first live Call of Duty: Warzone Resurgence Series of 2026. This open-bracket tournament offers a $100,000 prize pool and provides a direct pathway to the Esports World Cup championship later this year. By combining professional league play with open-entry Warzone formats, DreamHack is effectively catering to both the hardcore fan base and the broader grassroots community.