GAMING PROS AND FANS – IT’S TIME TO RALLY YOUR SQUADS AND FACE OFF IN THRILLING BATTLES AT THE DUBAI ESPORTS & GAMES FESTIVAL

Action-packed contests and live gaming competitions await at the DEF GameExpo from 3 to 5 May at Dubai World Trade Centre

Fans can witness their favourite famous gamers go head-to-head in the DEF Play Beyond championship, the ultimate esports showdown happening from 4 to 5 May

The gamers of tomorrow can compete for victory in the finals of the school and university championships

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 30 April 2024: 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.

-ENDS-

About Dubai Esports & Games Festival

Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF2024) takes place from 19 April to 5 May 2024. Launched in 2022, the annual festival will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre for the first time this year. The festival aims to set and influence trends across both the global and regional gaming industry, and bolster Dubai’s position as a global hub for esports and interactive tech-driven entertainment, and as a global city at the forefront of innovation. DEF2024 will feature a combination of events including a lively GameExpo, esports tournaments and influencer challenges for consumers, alongside GameExpo Summit, a thought-provoking and business stimulating conference and b2b networking event that connects companies from around the world.

About Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment

Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is responsible for developing Dubai’s retail and festival sectors and supporting the positioning of Dubai as a world-class tourism destination with year-round family entertainment, shopping and events.