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Major international gaming events coming to region

DreamHack and ESL One will be held at the NEC next spring in major boost to region's tourism economy

The ESL One gaming competition is returning to the West Midlands next year

Two of the world's biggest gaming and esports events will be coming to the West Midlands next year.

DreamHack and ESL One will descend on the NEC campus in March, attracting thousands of people to the region from around the world.

DreamHack is a celebration of games, esports and internet pop culture and the 2026 edition will be the first time it has been held in the º£½ÇÊÓÆµ since its launch more than 20 years ago.

ESL One is a gaming competition featuring 16 of the world's best teams playing Dota 2, the multi-player battle game, which will have a prize pot of around £1 million.

This will be the fourth time it is held in the West Midlands after its appearance here in 2018, 2019 and 2024.

DreamHack will be held over three days at the National Exhibition Centre in Solihull while ESL One will be held over eight days at the neighbouring bp pulse LIVE arena

It is estimated that the º£½ÇÊÓÆµ esports market is worth around £250 million in 2025 with 40 million players across the country.