Dreamhack San Diego 2023 – The Big Gaming Show Returns to SoCal
San Diego hosted its first-ever Dreamhack convention at the home of a certain internationally known Comic-Con last weekend.
Local gamers and pros from around the world came to play their favorite games with friends and strangers in a hall I’m all too familiar with, but rarely with such low lighting. Featuring competitions for big money prizes, an area sectioned off for LAN party play, and opportunities for everyone to get their hands on everything from classic arcade games, Japanese imports, and the hottest new hardware, Dreamhack San Diego 2023 had something for everyone.
At one end of the hall, a mini stadium was constructed with bleachers for fans to watch their favorite players take each other on in League of Legends eSports competitions. At the other end, panels and events were held with crowds filling the seats for a glimpse at their favorite players and creators talking about their part in what makes the ever growing gaming culture great.
In between, if your thing was putting your nose into a mobile game on the latest phones, taking on the pros in your favorite Fortnite map, challenging others for the top score on Tetris, immersing yourself in VR simulations, snatching up original art from gaming inspired creators, or just gulping down every free sample of energy drink available (there were a lot), there was something for everyone.
And where else can you witness an epic cosplay competition kicked off by the original vocalist for the Pokemon theme song, Jason Paige, belting out the classic live on stage with a horde of fans who grew up hearing his voice?
Whether people came to play or to watch their favorite teams take each other on for top honors, Dreamhack San Diego 2023 had everything they were looking for. Personally, I loved the classic arcade they had set up just inside the door.
If you missed the San Diego event because it was just too far for you to travel, don’t worry, the Dreamhack events are an international phenomenon! Within the U.S., you can often find shows in Atlanta, Georgia and Dallas, but in other corners of the world, Dreamhack shows have been held in Sweden, London, Canada, Spain, and many other spots around the world where a love of all things gaming is no less passionate than it is here in the United States.
Here’s just a peek at some of the things we experienced at Dreamhack San Diego 2023.
