DreamHack, a leading gaming lifestyle festival and part of the ESL FACEIT Group, has announced two BYOC tournaments to be held at the end of 2025: DreamHack Knockout Atlanta and DreamHack Knockout Stockholm. These events offer an open path for Counter-Strike 2 players, regardless of their level, to participate in ESL Pro League Season 23. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the tournaments, their format, prize pool, and impact on the esports scene.

Event Overview

DreamHack Knockout Atlanta and DreamHack Knockout Stockholm will serve as platforms for showcasing skills and competition, with the winners of each tournament earning a spot in ESL Pro League Season 23, which begins on February 27, 2026. Each tournament will have a prize pool of $10,000, making them attractive to both professionals and amateurs. These events will take place on October 31-November 2, 2025, in Atlanta and November 28-30, 2025, in Stockholm, respectively. The tournaments are open to anyone who has purchased a BYOC ticket and has an assigned spot in the BYOC area at DreamHack festivals.

Tournament Details

DreamHack Knockout Atlanta 2025

Up to 32 teams will participate in this tournament. The final will take place on November 2, 2025, and the winner will qualify for ESL Pro League Season 23.

• Date: October 31–November 2, 2025
• Number of teams: up to 32
• Prize pool: $10,000
• Final: November 2, 2025
• Qualification: ESL Pro League Season 23

DreamHack Knockout Stockholm 2025

Up to 128 teams will participate in Stockholm. The final will take place on November 30, 2025, and the winner will also qualify for ESL Pro League Season 23.

• Date: November 28-30, 2025
• Number of teams: up to 128
• Prize pool: $10,000
• Finals: November 30, 202
• 5Qualification: ESL Pro League Season 23

Participation in the tournaments is open to anyone with a BYOC ticket, including standard BYOC tickets, BYOC 20+ tickets, and team tickets (5+1). There is also the possibility for a coach to gain access. This creates a level playing field for everyone, where the main thing is skill and readiness to compete.

Impact on the Esports Scene

These tournaments not only give amateurs and professionals a chance to show off their skills, but also create a new path to the ESL Pro League, one of the most prestigious Counter-Strike 2 leagues. Participation in DreamHack Knockout can be a springboard for many teams and players seeking fame.