The Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF 2024) will come back for its third edition from 19 April to 5 May. Presented by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, the DEF 2024 edition aims to offer an extraordinary lineup of events and activities across the city. With unparalleled gaming experience, including thrilling esports tournaments, exclusive industry insights, and family-friendly events, it is set to captivate gamers, enthusiasts, and industry experts in Dubai. 

Running for 17 days, DEF 2024 will feature a diverse array of events catering to all ages and interests. From exclusive meet-and-greets with top gaming stars to immersive GameExpo, influencer esports tournaments and more, DEF 2024 promises to be the biggest, longest and most exciting edition yet. 

The 2023 edition attracted a staggering 48,200 esports participants and attendees representing 91 different nationalities. And now, in 2024, DEF aims to go bigger with 50 games played on 200 machines, including 11 unreleased titles and four world-first showings.

Key Things You Can Expect At Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2024

Return Of The GameExpo

GameExpo will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Zabeel Halls 5 and 6 from 3 to 5 May. The event is open to the public, offering tickets to gamers of all ages, interests, and gaming preferences. 

GameExpo is designed with various zones catering to different interests. Fans can delve into the Gaming District, where they can explore the latest game releases and sneak peeks. 

The Future Zone brings together advanced technology and the future of gaming, offering a glimpse into what's to come. 

Meanwhile, the Retro Zone provides a nostalgic trip down memory lane, appealing to those who appreciate classic gaming. 

Families looking to bond over gaming can do so at the newly introduced Family Zone. Additionally, tech enthusiasts can explore the Electric Avenue, which hosts a curated selection of specialised electronic retailers, offering the latest gaming gear at attractive prices.

GameExpo 2024 goes beyond gaming exhibitions by including various activities such as cosplay, esports tournaments, coding workshops, and Minecraft education challenges. Tickets for the expo will soon be available for purchase on Platinumlist.

Gaming Showdown

Play Beyond stands out as the epitome of esports tournaments. Enthusiasts of gaming will have the opportunity to witness exciting match-ups and intense gaming competitions at Play Beyond. Here, their favourite gamers will compete fiercely, showcasing the excitement of live gaming at its best. With top regional and global stars participating and exclusive meet-and-greet chances, Play Beyond taking place at GameExpo aims to take the esports experience to unprecedented levels of excitement.

Things For Young Minds

Students have an exciting opportunity to boost their digital skills through the Microsoft MakeCode Competition and the Minecraft Education Challenge. They can also gain valuable insights into the gaming industry through Industry Expert Talks hosted at schools and universities, inspiring the next generation of gaming enthusiasts.

Additionally, future gaming champions can participate in in-school tournaments featuring popular titles like Rocket League and Fortnite, while university students can compete in EAFC 24 and Valorant tournaments. To add to the excitement, DEF Gamers Day allows students to express their creativity by dressing up as their favourite gaming characters. The DEF Education Programme is available for free to all participating schools and universities.

On 1 and 2 May, dedicated school days at GameExpo will offer students an immersive experience with interactive exhibits, gaming showcases, and more. It's an adventure that's bound to ignite their passion for gaming like never before!

Registration for the various competitions and activities is now live for students. For the Minecraft Education Challenge, schools can register students aged 7 to 12 years can register here.

For school and university tournaments, career talks, free visits to the GameExpo, and to enter Microsoft MakeCode, registration can be completed here. 

Ramadan Online Tournaments

DEF 2024 is gearing up for some serious gaming action during Ramadan, with a line-up of thrilling tournaments both online and in gaming cafes across Dubai. These tournaments will spark excitement among the gaming community, with live finals set to take place during the festival period.

Stay tuned for all the upcoming information. In the meantime, you can also visit Dubai Esports And Games Festival's website to know more.