Aspiring Counter-Strike pros, assemble. DreamHack Knockout tickets are now on sale!
DreamHack Knockout Atlanta will run from October 31st to November 2nd, and DreamHack Knockout Stockholm runs from November 28th to 30th. The winners of both tournaments qualify for ESL Pro League Season 23.
DreamHack Knockout Atlanta vs Stockholm – formats and how to compete
Both DreamHack Atlanta and DreamHack Stockholm are hosting Knockout tournaments, with the winners of each advancing to ESL Pro League Season 23.
Many gamers see themselves competing among the greats. For example, alongside Team Spirit, the likely favourites to win the Esports World Cup Counter-Strike tournament on Counter-Strike betting sites, or Team Vitality, who have won more trophies this year than they have roster members.
Although both tournaments will largely follow the same format, there are differing numbers of teams allowed to enter.
DreamHack Knockout Atlanta will only feature 32 participating teams competing from October 31st to November 2nd. However, Stockholm allows up to 128 teams to participate. This is likely due to DreamHack Stockholm usually hosting a higher number of attendees and being in the more dominant region for Counter-Strike competition.
North America is a less popular region for Counter-Strike, and therefore will likely have fewer signups in comparison.
Aside from the number of teams, both competitions will have similar formats and outcomes. A $10,000 USD (~£7,422 GBP) prize pool is on offer at both events.
Tournament participation is open to all attendees with a BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer) ticket. There are also specific DreamHack Knockout tickets on sale.
For DreamHack Atlanta, the Knockout options are as follows:
- DH Knockout Ticket – 5 players (Team Ticket)
- DH Knockout Ticket – Coach (Add-on)
The Coach Add-on ticket does not include access to a table, internet, or power.
DreamHack Stockholm has three Knockout ticket options:
- DH Knockout Ticket – 5 players (Team Ticket)
- DH Knockout Ticket – Coach (Add-on)
- DK Knockout Ticket – 6 players (Team Ticket)
The 6-player Team Ticket option provides coaches with a space at the table, complete with internet and power access.
More LAN opportunities or limited Pro League qualification accessibility?
Qualifiers for ESL Pro League used to be run online. While DreamHack Knockout is undoubtedly encouraging players to gain LAN experience before going pro, the tournament can be viewed as cost-prohibitive.
Tickets cost $845 USD (~£625 GBP) for a team of 5 in Atlanta, and an additional $69 (~£51 GBP) for a coach to attend. For Stockholm, a team of five can expect to pay 5,495 kr (~£425 GBP) with two additional options for paid coach tickets.
Of course, this only takes into consideration the ticket price. As a BYOC LAN, DreamHack attendees must also cover travel expenses, arrange logistics for transporting their PCs and peripherals, and purchase accommodation.
Recognising these challenges, fellow BYOC organiser Fragadelphia is offering PC rentals for DreamHack Knockout Atlanta.
Considering these factors, it is challenging for some individuals to qualify for ESL Pro League through LANs.
When DreamHack Knockout was first announced in June 2025, Shahin Zarrabi, VP Festivals at ESL FACEIT Group, proclaimed that “This is what DreamHack is all about, we’re leveling the playing field.”
However, more levelling is needed outside of DreamHack events to ensure the best Counter-Strike talent has a chance to reach the top.
Hannah is a writer specialising in the esports, gaming, and technology sectors. Working for outlets such as Dot Esports, Esports Insider, and of course ENUK, she has developed a love for wider esports and Apex Legends, although it may never surpass her drive to passionately beat her friends in every game of Mariokart. You may have seen her at various esports and gaming events, including ESI London, EGX, Discover: Esports and many League of Legends watch parties.
