DreamHack Dallas 2025: Esports, Cosplay, and Why This Weekend Matters

May 23–25 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center—and yes, we'll be there

DreamHack Dallas is back May 23–25, and if you've never been, here's what you need to know: it's not just a gaming convention. It's a full cultural experience where esports pros, cosplayers, indie devs, and content creators all converge for one chaotic, electric weekend.

Whether you're showing up for the million-dollar tournaments, the cosplay showcases, or just to vibe with your people—DreamHack delivers. Here's what's on deck this year.

Esports: The Main Event

The tournament lineup is stacked, and the stakes are high. This isn't just casual play—this is where careers are made, upsets happen, and the crowd loses its mind over clutch plays.

IEM Dallas / Counter-Strike 2 — A million-dollar prize pool. World-class players. The kind of matches that make you forget you've been standing for three hours.

Call of Duty League: Major IV — Featuring both pro-level competition and a Challengers Open for rising talent looking to prove themselves.

Halo Championship Series — Open bracket format means anyone can enter, and underdogs can (and do) make noise.

ESL Impact — An all-women CS2 tournament showcasing top-tier talent that deserves the spotlight it's finally getting.

GeoGuessr Showdown — Don't sleep on this one. It's surprisingly intense, wildly fun, and proof that even geography games can bring the hype.

Cosplay, Creators & Community

DreamHack isn't just about what's happening on screens—it's about the people who make the culture what it is. Between tournaments, you'll find vibrant pockets of creativity, artistry, and genuine connection.

Cosplay Contests — Whether you're in full armor or a casual day-one fit, cosplayers bring some of the most visually stunning moments of the weekend. The craftsmanship, the commitment, the sheer energy—it's a whole vibe.

Creator Hub — Over 300 streamers, artists, and content creators will be on-site, ready to meet fans, collaborate, and connect IRL. It's one of those rare moments where the parasocial becomes social.

Main Stage Programming — Live music, interactive games, and performances that keep the energy moving all weekend long.

From BYOC to Board Games: There's Something for Everyone

The beauty of DreamHack is that it's not one-dimensional. You can bounce between high-intensity esports, chill indie game demos, and late-night board game sessions without missing a beat.

BYOC LAN Party — Bring your own computer and join one of the largest, loudest gaming sessions you'll ever experience. It's chaos in the best way.

Indie Playground — Try the next wave of standout games before they blow up. Support indie devs. Discover something new.

Tabletop Corner — Board games, card games, and a chance to unplug (sort of) while still staying in the vibe.

Expo Hall — Tech demos, merch drops, exclusive gear, and enough swag to make your suitcase heavier on the way home.

What You Need to Know

Tickets are live and moving fast. Whether you're planning a one-day visit or going all three days, DreamHack Dallas takes over the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center with nonstop programming and the kind of energy that makes you forget you're tired.

Moody Studios Will Be There

We're not just covering the big moments—we're capturing the energy behind them. The cosplayers mid-setup. The indie dev explaining their game for the hundredth time with the same enthusiasm. The crowd erupting over an unexpected play. The in-between moments that make live events worth showing up for.

Expect behind-the-scenes coverage, candid creator moments, and honest recaps from the floor. Because the best part of any event isn't just what's on stage—it's what's happening in the spaces between.