Q1: What is the Dubai Esports & Games Festival?

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, the second Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF) 2023 took place from 21 - 25 June 2023. DEF 2023 was the ultimate gaming extravaganza, featuring an exciting set of live events and activities that gathered esports athletes, industry experts, developers, and pop-culture enthusiasts from across the globe for a celebration of all things gaming.

DEF 2023 was the most phenomenal esports and gaming event in the Middle East, in line with Dubai’s position as a hub for innovation. The festival featured live events and activities including the Minecraft Education Challenge, Play Beyond Esports influencer tournament, GameExpo, the GameExpo Summit powered by PG Connects, regional and influencer tournaments as well as retail promotions taking place across the city showcasing the latest games and merchandise. It also allowed fans to engage with their favourite esports celebrities and gaming icons.

Q2: What were the events taking place during the Dubai Esports & Games Festival?

DEF 2023 was the most exciting esports and gaming event in the Middle East that cemented Dubai's position as a hub for innovation. The Festival featured electrifying live events and activities for five action-packed days. Events like influencer and regional tournaments, Minecraft Education Challenge, GameExpo, Play Beyond influencer tournament, and GameExpo Summit powered by PG Connects were just the tip of the iceberg. There were also retail promotions taking place across the venue showcasing the latest games and merchandise as well as meet-and-greet sessions with famous gaming celebrities.

Q3: Where was the Dubai Esports & Games Festival 2023 held?

DEF 2023 was held in the South Halls of the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai.

Continuing Expo 2020 Dubai's legacy of innovation through collaboration, Expo City Dubai is a pioneering beacon for creative pursuits, new technologies and smart sustainable solutions. This makes it the perfect place to host an event of a large scale and popularity. DEF 2023's breathtaking set-up at Dubai Exhibition Centre attracted gamers and esports fans, local and global alike, to this spectacular event of an international phenomenon.

Q4: When will the next Dubai Esports & Games Festival take place?

Dubai Esports & Games Festival aims to become a regular festival so it is sure to return for 2024. Stay tuned on our website and social channels for more information on the next festival, coming soon.

Q5: Are any of these events likely to return next year?

These events might return in a different format next year. Stay tuned for an exciting line up of our top events in the next Dubai Esports and Games Festival in 2024.

Q6: Who can I speak to for more information or questions?

For general enquiries, you can call us at (+971) 600 55 5559 or email at [email protected]