Gaming fans can witness thrilling live battles as part of the citywide Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2024, which kicked off its third edition on 19 April. Top regional and international gamers are going head-to-head in exciting tournaments until 5 May, while young gamers from Dubai’s schools and universities play for glory and gear up for high-energy finals on 1 and 2 May.
DEF 2024 is an epic celebration of gaming culture, organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) to offer fans and gamers of all ages and levels the chance to discover thrilling gaming experiences, join and watch heated tournaments, witness cutting-edge game reveals, and enjoy meetups with gaming legends, and much more.
Here are some of the live gaming tournaments that enthusiasts should not miss…
A battle of the pros – DEF Play Beyond at GameExpo
Heart-pounding action awaits fans as top regional and global esports stars engage in unforgettable matchups at the DEF Play Beyond, happening at Dubai World Trade Centre on 4 and 5 May as part of the DEF GameExpo. Visitors can witness the thrill of live gaming unleashed at its finest, as their favourite players push their limits and battle for glory. Fans with VIP tickets can also join exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with gaming heroes including @aboflah, @banderitax, @shongxbong, @jash_dhoka, and @jain_ritik.
There is much more to look forward to on the DEF GameExpo 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.
Schools and universities compete to be gaming champions
Inspiring the next generation of gaming professionals in the region, students will showcase their digital skills in the Microsoft MakeCode Competition and the Minecraft Education Challenge in thrilling live tournaments as part of the DEF GameExpo Education Days on 1 and 2 May. In addition, 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. Students can register for free visits to the DEF GameExpo at the GameCentric webpage.
One-day passes can be purchased starting from AED 29 for students and AED 59 for adults, or visitors can make bookings for full attendance over the three days with weekend tickets starting from AED 59 for students and AED 119 for adults. Families of two adults and two children can book a day ticket from AED 119 or a three-day pass from AED 299. For an enhanced one-day experience, limited VIP tickets are available for Saturday or Sunday starting from AED 359 and include enhanced access to the Play Beyond Influencer Meet and Greet, priority seating, access to GameExpo across the three-day event, customised merchandise, and an AED 100 food and beverage voucher. Tickets can be booked through this link. Kids below 5 years of age enter for free.
DEF GameExpo is hosted with the support of Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Next, Dubai Police, Dubai Sports Council and in partnership with Emirates NBD, Red Bull, Rove, Talabat, and VOX, as well as Virgin Radio and Tik Tok.
