Big-name esports event organisers ESL and DreamHack have merged, parent company Modern Times Group (MTG) has announced.
In a press release, the companies said that ‘DreamHack and ESL will push forward new innovations to serve fans and communities across events, platforms, formats and game titles — from casual to professional levels — in every region around the world’.
This new structure is effective immediately, and the combined company will be led by ESL Gaming co-CEOs Craig Levine and Ralf Reichert.
Aside from its global events, ESL runs its ESL Premiership tournaments featuring UK and Ireland talent, while DreamHack organises its regular LAN events and hosts tournaments such as the NLC – a League of Legends competition featuring UK and Nordics teams.
“Through maximum cooperation and collaboration, and the melding of some of the best creative and visionary gaming minds in the industry, we will, together, continue to advance the innovation that drives this space via the most exceptional products and events”, said ESL Gaming co-CEO Craig Levine.
“For our partners, there will be more opportunities to engage with us through a wider range of activations across all levels of esports, and all aspects of gaming. And for our fans, it means we will offer one of the most expansive esports and gaming lifestyle portfolios available.”
DreamHack co-CEO Marcus Lindmark added: “DreamHack has always brought communities together and created the ultimate gaming lifestyle experience for our fans all around the world. This will not change — but by combining our resources with ESL, we can continue to grow these events into something even more spectacular.
“Whether first-timers or long-term attendees, we have always offered something for everyone by featuring everything gaming under one roof.
“With ESL, we will be able to offer a more tailored approach for both our community and our partners across all regions through an array of gaming and esports opportunities, all while creating impactful and memorable experiences.
“The future of gaming is now, and we are excited to create the future together.”
Dom is an award-winning writer and finalist of the Esports Journalist of the Year 2023 award. He graduated from Bournemouth University with a 2:1 degree in Multi-Media Journalism in 2007.
As a long-time gamer having first picked up the NES controller in the late ’80s, he has written for a range of publications including GamesTM, Nintendo Official Magazine, industry publication MCV and others. He worked as head of content for the British Esports Federation up until February 2021, when he stepped back to work full-time on Esports News UK and offer esports consultancy and freelance services. Note: Dom still produces the British Esports newsletter on a freelance basis, so our coverage of British Esports is always kept simple – usually just covering the occasional press release – because of this conflict of interest.
