Dreamhack is a gaming festival with esport tournaments, cosplay, and everything related to computer games. Held in cities across the world, the Stockholm edition took place this weekend. Targeting 60 000 visitors over three days (and two nights for those who come to play all night), the event is huge and with an international audience. People travel from all over the world to compete in world championships in their favourite games.
I visited first time last year with my oldest, this year I brought both kids and their friends. The youngest is into cosplay, she had prepared a costume for the event. The oldest is into crunchy computer games, so much that he started learning Unity this autumn. Both had a great time at Dreamhack, but with very different experiences.
Personally I prefer playing games made of cardboard around a table with real people over staring into a screen, but I also enjoyed myself at Dreamhack. Arriving early Sunday meant less crowds for me and easy access to play games for the kids.
I tolerated the noisy esport events and the rampant consumerism screaming for my attention and explored other sides of Dreamhack.
Boardgame publisher Asmodee showing and teaching their newest games. Independent game designers demoing upcoming games. Artists selling merchandise ranging from cat stickers over cosplay props to sci-fi and fantasy posters. Volunteer organisations raising issues around mental health and online threats. This and much more was my Dreamhack 2025.
