DreamHack has become far more than just an esports tournament. It’s also a global celebration of gaming, creativity, and community. On this episode of UrbanEBB, host Rico Figliolini speaks with Shahin Zarrabi, Vice President of Festivals at ESL FACEIT Group, to explore how DreamHack continues to evolve as a platform for gamers, creators, and fans. From multimillion-dollar esports competitions to indie developer showcases and cosplay stages, Shahin shares how the festival keeps every visit fresh while honoring the traditions that long-time attendees love.

As DreamHack Atlanta 2025 approaches (October 31–November 2), Shahin reveals the challenges of programming for a fast-changing industry and the strategies his team uses to balance classic titles with the latest releases. More than just competition, DreamHack is about connections. Whether it’s streamers meeting their communities, parents gaming alongside kids, or international visitors experiencing the culture of Atlanta. At its heart, the festival unites people around shared passions and unforgettable moments.

Takeaways

• DreamHack is both a global esports powerhouse and a grassroots community hub.
• The festival balances new and classic games to reach both hardcore and casual players.
• Supporting indie developers and creators is central to DreamHack’s DNA.
• Fast-changing entertainment trends pose challenges for long-term event planning.
• DreamHack Atlanta 2025 will bring esports, cosplay, creator hubs, and more to the Georgia World Congress Center.

Timestamp: 
● (00:01:01) Introducing Shahin Zarrabi and DreamHack Atlanta 2025. 
● (00:02:35) Shahin’s career path and how it shaped his approach to festival design. 
● (00:05:04) Returning favorites and new highlights for DreamHack Atlanta.
● (00:07:42) Balancing classic games with new titles in multimillion-dollar tournaments. 
● (00:11:06) Keeping pace with fast-changing entertainment and gaming trends. 
● (00:13:30) Supporting indie developers and content creators at the festival. 
● (00:16:09) Cultural differences and growing DreamHack’s presence in the U.S. 
● (00:19:48) How DreamHack manages the technical and logistical demands of a global festival.
● (00:22:19) Live streaming vs. in-person experiences. 
● (00:23:57) Programs like the Siege College Fair and the Creator Program. ● (00:25:33) Merchandise and the new Pixel Grind collection. 
● (00:26:41) Welcoming international visitors to Atlanta. 
● (00:28:22) DreamHack’s ultimate mission: uniting people around a shared passion.