Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF 2024), organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, will unleash 17 days of action-packed contests and surprises in the city from 19 April until 5 May. With a packed schedule of jaw-dropping action, fans can watch their favourite gamers compete head-to-head in contests, challenge their friends at live events, and join the online gaming showdown, which will see thousands of gamers logging on for a series of amazing clashes.
Contests for all ages at GameExpo
At GameExpo, which is making its premiere at Dubai World Trade Centre from 3 to 5 May, families, friends and fans can explore a world of gaming and take part in thrilling tournaments and interactive demos. Enthusiasts will be on the edge of their seats as they watch the pros take each other on in Play Beyond, an exciting live competition which will take place on 4 and 5 May. Famous gamers will join the ultimate showdown, in which two teams of four gaming stars will battle it out in a heated contest as fans watch live. Adding to the excitement, enthusiasts can rub shoulders with gaming icons in meet and greets.
There will be much more to look forward to on the main stage including multiple influencer activations, audience giveaways and esports tournaments across top gaming titles such as Valorant, Fortnite, EA FC 24, PubG Mobile, and many more.
A showcase of creativity – the Dubai Cosplay Championship
On 3 May, cosplay enthusiasts can show off their creativity and dedication in the Cosplay Catwalk which is open for all ticket holders to join. Participants will have just 30 seconds to showcase their costume and perform in their character to wow judges, who will choose three winners. On 4 May, the Dubai Cosplay Championship will welcome a vibrant meeting of gaming characters as they compete to be named winners across three categories – Kids, Craft and Performance. This is one exciting showdown not to be missed.
Promising an unforgettable experience for all, families will also find ways to bond over gaming battles at the new-for-2024 family zone.
The city goes head-to-head in online battles
A citywide celebration that is open to all, gamers can join in a host of exciting online tournaments this DEF. The GameCentric Ramadan League which will see people battle it out in Fortnite, PlayerUnknown’s Battle Ground Mobile, and League of Legends.
From 27 to 30 March, PUBG Mobile will see participants go head-to-head to win from a total prize pool of AED 3,500. In the final competition of Ramadan, on 11 – 14 April, gamers will join a thrilling game of League of Legends in a competition with combined prizes worth AED 6,000. To register, visit GameCentric.
Gamers can also join the UAE PC Cafe Master Cup 2024, in which eight cafes across the city will host exciting tournaments with a total prize pool of AED 15,000. A new event for 2024, PC Cafe goers will compete in 5v5 Valorant qualifiers in venues across Dubai. Qualified teams will then represent their respective cafe in a thrilling final clash to be named Dubai’s best PC cafe.
Gamers of tomorrow sharpen skills in school competitions
Inspiring the next generation of gaming professionals in the region, students can fine tune their digital skills in the Microsoft MakeCode Competition and the Minecraft Education Challenge which will culminate in a thrilling live tournament on 1 and 2 May. Industry expert talks held in schools and universities will support aspiring young gamers in refining their skills and gaining insights to the industry, while in-school tournaments will offer an exciting opportunity for students to play popular titles such as Rocket League and Fortnite, with university students battling it out on EAFC 24 and Valorant. Entrants can visit GameCentric to register.
On 26 April the DEF Gamers Day will give students and staff the chance to show off their creativity by dressing up as their favourite gaming characters at school. On 1 and 2 May, dedicated school days will provide students a first-hand experience at GameExpo, where they can engage with interactive exhibits, gaming showcases, and live tournament finals. The DEF registration is still live for the university tournaments and students can register through GameCentric.
On 25 April the Google Gaming Day will be held at American University in Dubai, bringing together government, industry and Google gaming leaders to deliver an exciting, engaging and educational half-day session to students, for free, for the first time ever in the UAE.
Please visit the DEF website and keep an eye out on DEF socials at @DXBESPORTSFEST for more information and to register for ticket updates on Dubai Esports & Games Festival 2024.
