LAN tournaments are making a comeback in Jönköping, Sweden, in the new format of the gaming festival Glitched. The event, scheduled for June 13-16, 2025, promises to be a much-anticipated replacement for DreamHack Summer, which recently left the city. The event is founded by former DreamHack employees and aims to recreate the classic LAN festival atmosphere, attracting both veterans and newcomers to the gaming industry.
The Glitched festival offers not just nostalgia for past events but active participation in creating a new format. In light of DreamHack Summer relocating, this event restores Jönköping's status as a vital spot on the esports map.
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History and Significance of DreamHack for Jönköping
Since 2002, DreamHack has been an integral part of Jönköping, attracting thousands of gamers and fans from around the world. However, the recent departure of the festival left a vacuum in the city known for its contribution to esports. In response, a group of enthusiasts decided to revive the local esports culture by creating Glitched—a festival founded on the same traditions but with new ideas and approaches.
Glitched Festival Details
Glitched will be held from June 13 to 16, 2025, at Elmia, the venue where gaming festivals have been held since 2002. The festival focuses on creating a vibrant and active LAN scene, featuring esports tournaments, exhibition areas, and educational events. A highlight will be the Counter-Strike 2 tournament, continuing the traditions of DreamHack Summer, where the game has always been a centerpiece.
Martin Ojes, Kristoffer Melin, and Tomas Lyckedal, all veterans in DreamHack organization, are behind the new project and intend to make it an annual event. The festival will offer guests traditional LAN competitions and the opportunity to participate in shaping the event itself. The announcement of partners, content, and ticket sales is planned for fall 2024.
Plans and Opinions of the Organizers
Martin Ojes, one of the founders of Glitched, shared his vision of the festival: "We want to bring back the LAN spirit to Elmia. The goal is to gather participants, and partners, and set a new record for the number of connections." This approach implies significant attention to community interaction, which could make the festival unique in its kind.
Why Is This Important for the Gaming Industry?
Glitched could become a new annual center of esports in Europe, filling the niche left by DreamHack Summer. The revival of LAN festivals attracts players who value live interaction and competitive spirit, which could once again make Jönköping a vital point on the global esports calendar.
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