Atlanta is officially the center of the competitive gaming universe this May. DreamHack Atlanta 2026 returns to the Georgia World Congress Center from May 15–17 with a staggering $1.4 million in total prizing.

Tickets are on sale now at dreamhack.com/atlanta/tickets

As the only DreamHack festival in the United States for 2026, this event represents a massive moment for North American fans. Thousands of players will descend on the city to compete in world-class circuits and open brackets. From tactical shooters to high-speed battle royales, the lineup is the most robust in the festival’s eight-year history in Georgia.

Counter-Strike

The crown jewel of the weekend is IEM Atlanta. This marks the Southeast debut of one of the most prestigious circuits in Counter-Strike 2. Sixteen of the world’s elite teams will battle for a massive $1,000,000 prize pool.

Fans can watch the final stages live in an arena-style setting. Beyond the cash, teams are fighting for a coveted title and critical progress toward the ESL Grand Slam. This is a rare opportunity for U.S. fans to witness tier-one Counter-Strike on home soil. Expect high-stakes executes, legendary clutches, and an electric atmosphere.

Call of Duty

Call of Duty fans have a double-header to look forward to. DreamHack Atlanta plays host to the Call of Duty League (CDL) Major III. All 12 professional teams will be on-site to compete for $365,000 and vital points toward the Championship Weekend. As a mid-season stop, Major III will likely define which teams make the postseason cut.

The action doesn’t stop with the pros. The Call of Duty: Warzone Resurgence Series brings a $100,000 prize pool to the table. The fast-paced Resurgence format ensures non-stop combat, making it a favorite for both spectators and aggressive competitors.

Open Tournaments

Accessibility is the heart of the DreamHack experience. The DreamHack Open ft. Halo features a blended format that connects pros with ambitious amateurs. It offers a direct pathway for rising stars to test their skills against the best in one of the most iconic franchises in history.

The competitive field expands even further with the Road to Esports World Cup (EWC) qualifiers. This stop connects Atlanta’s top talent to one of the largest international gaming events on the planet. For the Fighting Game Community (FGC), open brackets are available for:

• Street Fighter 6
• Tekken 8
• Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

Even Chess players will have a seat at the table with dedicated tournaments. These open events allow any attendee to sign up and compete for glory.

Tickets are on sale now at dreamhack.com/atlanta/tickets

DreamHack Atlanta 2026 is the ultimate destination for anyone who loves the thrill of competition. With over $1.4 million on the line, the stakes have never been higher for the city of Atlanta. Tickets are on sale now, so secure yours to witness esports history in the making.