DreamHack will return to Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center from May 15–17, 2026, marking what organizers describe as the largest edition of the festival to date. The event will be DreamHack’s only U.S. stop in 2026 and its eighth year in Atlanta, more than any other city in the country.
Organized by ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), DreamHack Atlanta 2026 will feature two major esports tournaments under one roof: the first-ever Intel® Extreme Masters (IEM) Atlanta for Counter-Strike 2 and Major III of the 2026 Call of Duty League® season.
The timing is notable. Just weeks after DreamHack concludes, Atlanta will host matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026, further positioning the city as a major global destination for international sporting and entertainment events.
IEM Atlanta Brings $1 Million Counter-Strike Event to Georgia
For the first time, Intel® Extreme Masters will be held in Atlanta, bringing one of the most prestigious Counter-Strike 2 competitions in the world to the Southeastern United States.
The final three days of the tournament will be played in front of a live audience, with elite international teams competing for a $1,000,000 prize pool and points toward the ESL Grand Slam. Marc Winther, Director of Esports – Counter-Strike at ESL FACEIT Group, described the move as a milestone moment for the region’s esports ecosystem, citing Atlanta’s established gaming community and event infrastructure.
IEM Atlanta adds another major U.S. destination to the global Counter-Strike calendar, as North American fans continue to see renewed investment in high-tier CS2 competition.
Call of Duty League Major III Heads to Atlanta
DreamHack Atlanta will also host Major III of the 2026 Call of Duty League season. All 12 CDL teams will compete alongside four amateur squads as they battle for crucial points toward Championship Weekend in Las Vegas.
The Atlanta stop follows Major II, which will be held at DreamHack Birmingham in the UK, reflecting a growing crossover between DreamHack festivals and premier league tournaments. The inclusion of a CDL Major reinforces Atlanta’s growing status as a consistent host city for top-tier esports events.
Festival Experience Expands Beyond Esports
While esports remains central, DreamHack Atlanta 2026 will continue its broader gaming lifestyle festival format.
Attendees can expect:
- Open esports tournaments
- Cosplay competitions
- Appearances from content creators and voice actors
- Indie game showcases
- Freeplay and arcade gaming
- Artist Alley
- Live stage entertainment
- Brand activations and immersive experiences
- Family-friendly programming
In 2025, DreamHack Atlanta drew visitors from all 50 U.S. states and 61 countries, highlighting the festival’s international appeal.
Atlanta’s Growing Role in Global Esports
With IEM, CDL Major III, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches all landing in 2026, Atlanta continues to build its profile as a multi-industry entertainment hub.
DreamHack’s decision to make Atlanta its sole U.S. stop in 2026 underscores the city’s importance within the North American esports landscape. As large-scale esports events increasingly require stable infrastructure, international accessibility, and established fanbases, cities like Atlanta are becoming recurring anchors in the global tournament calendar.
Tickets for DreamHack Atlanta 2026 are currently available via the official DreamHack website and include access to both festival programming and headline esports events.