All gamers are invited! Prepare for the first-ever Dubai Esports Festival in 2022! This game-changing event for the region’s rapidly growing esports industry showcases the latest and greatest in gaming. The convention’s offerings will range from international tournaments to rare vintage entertainment.
From the 9th to the 20th of November 2022, the mega event will be held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City. Attendees will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, discover new genres, obtain cool merch, meet gaming rock stars, and socialize with friends — there are so many exciting things to look forward to. Here are all the specifics about this technological extravaganza.
About the Festival
The Dubai Esports Festival, which debuted in 2022, celebrates the diverse and attractive global gaming culture. The annual fair aims to become a regular fixture on the international circuit by combining the best in competitive video gaming with electrifying experiences and next-generation technology. It appeals to a wide range of people, from industry professionals and esports experts to casual gamers.
Dubai, as a future-first, innovative city, is perfectly positioned to be the Middle East and North Africa’s leading esports hub. After all, the city invests in technology and infrastructure on a regular basis in order to foster a thriving, connected community where everyone is welcome.
The debut edition of the Dubai Esports Festival will feature a top-tier international esports competition, the Initiate Summit, a GameExpo, and numerous other events and activities. Let’s find out everything there is to do at this yearly convention.
Events at Dubai Esports Festival
PUBG GLOBAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Are you ready for some PUBG action? At the PUBG Global Championship, 32 teams will compete for a whopping $2 million in prize money and the coveted PGC Champions title.
The battleground for pro gamers will be DEC’s North Hall! The competition will be made up of a series of weekly matches divided into a Group Stage, Winners/Losers Bracket, and Grand Survival. In the Grand Final, the top 16 teams will square off!
- Schedule: 1st to 20th November 2022
INITIATE SUMMIT
Initiate Summit is a business-to-business platform that will provide a two-day schedule of discussions with more than 40 business decision-makers as well as excellent networking opportunities. Here are some of the summit speakers:
- Maxime Durand, World-Design Director at Ubisoft Montreal
- Rocco Scandizzo, Head of Unreal Engine EMEA at Epic Games
- Matthew Pickering, CEO at Power League Gaming (PLG)
- Sam Mathews, CEO, and Founder of Fnatic, John Lacey, Head of MENA at Tencent and Country Manager of Level Infinite
It will strengthen the gaming ecosystem in the region and encourage the growth of international talent and innovation. Furthermore, it will provide over 200 guests with information on the most recent esports trends and investment opportunities. The third day will include a variety of exciting deep-dive courses.
- Schedule: 9th to 11th November 2022
GAMEEXPO
GameExpo is a platform for the town’s alpha geeks, with four immersive zones. Fans can watch thrilling live esports competitions and meet and compete against their favourite video game stars at the Dubai Gaming Zone.
A retro games area will take fans on a nostalgic trip down memory lane by offering uncommon and unusual vintage gaming amusement, informal competitions, and tournaments to all fans.
Gamers can take advantage of the newest quirky indie games and get a sneak peek at the latest BETA titles from independent game creators at the Discovery Zone. Gaming streamers and social media influencers can live stream content and updates from the event via a dedicated Streamer Hub.
- Schedule: 10th to 13th November 2022
POPCONME
PopConME invites gaming fans to dress up in their favorite cosplay outfits, meet their favorite cosplay celebrities, and take a dip in Japanese anime culture through live performances, movie screenings, seminars, and workshops. The event provides a variety of enjoyable and engaging experiences.
- Schedule: 10th to 13th November 2022
REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS
The best gamers from the MENA region will compete live on stage in a console and mobile game tournament. Competitors register online on their preferred platform, and the top three will perform live on stage.
- Schedule: Mobile Game Tournament 12th and 13th November | Console Tournament 19th and 20th November
SCHOOL COMPETITION
The Festival’s school tournament will be held in collaboration with a number of schools in Dubai. Young gamers will have the opportunity to compete live on stage during the event.
Schedule: 10th November
CONCERT
A yet-to-be-announced on-stage performance will take place on November 19th, just before the festival’s conclusion. Visitors can stay up to date on the festival by following DEF on social media.
Schedule: 19th November
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