DreamHack Atlanta 2026 is set to headline two premier esports tournaments new to the city. The event will feature Atlanta’s first-ever Call of Duty League Major (CDL Major III) and the debut of an Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) competition.
The festival, organised by ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), will take place from 15th to 17th May 2026 at the Georgia World Congress Center. The decision to consolidate these major tournaments under the DreamHack banner is part of a strategy to create a flagship gaming event in the United States.
The announcement follows the recent conclusion of DreamHack Atlanta 2025, which attracted nearly 40,000 attendees from all 50 states and 61 countries according to the organisation, and featured a combined esports prize pool of $6.6 million – the largest in the event’s history.
Shahin Zarrabi, VP of Festivals at ESL FACEIT Group, stated, “Atlanta has truly become home for DreamHack in America — a city with unstoppable momentum in esports, culture, and live events. With IEM, CDL Major III, and our largest festival weekend yet, Atlanta is going to experience the most unforgettable event in gaming and esports.”
The inclusion of an IEM event marks a significant moment for the Counter-Strike community in the southeastern United States. The tournament will see elite teams compete for a share of a $1,050,000 prize pool. Marc Winther, Director of Esports for Counter-Strike at ESL FACEIT Group, commented on the development, saying, “Bringing a world-class Counter-Strike tournament like Intel Extreme Masters to Atlanta is a significant moment for esports in the Southeast U.S. We know how passionate Atlanta’s gaming community is, and we’re excited to bring back the top tier competition to a city with such a rich history.”
Also read: COD League majors announced for Paris and Birmingham in 2026
Concurrently, the Call of Duty League Major III will see all 12 CDL teams compete in Atlanta for points to qualify for the season’s Championship Weekend in Las Vegas. This stop follows Major II, which is scheduled for the first-ever DreamHack Birmingham in the UK.
Beyond the professional tournaments, DreamHack Atlanta 2026 will offer the full festival experience, including cosplay competitions, an Indie Playground, an Artist Alley, and community programming. Tickets for the event, which grant access to all festival areas and the esports tournaments, are now on sale.
