DUBAI ESPORTS AND GAMES FESTIVAL PREPARES FOR AN EPIC WEEKEND FINALE

As the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2024 gears up for an epic final weekend, gaming enthusiasts and families can still head down to catch a spectacular lineup of events at the DEF GameExpo event for all ages and levels, taking place from 3 to 5 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Zabeel Halls 5 and 6. The epic celebration of gaming culture, organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), brings together families, fans and gamers of all levels to discover thrilling gaming experiences.

Tickets are still available starting at just AED 29, granting fans access to a jam-packed schedule.

Calling All Cosplay Champions

The Cosplay Catwalk opens for all GameExpo ticket holders on 3 May. Participants have just 30 seconds to showcase their single or group costumes and wow the judges – including international cosplayer @gibmesoju, as well as UAE-based cosplayers @m7cosplay and @sayocoser.

On 4 May, the Dubai Cosplay Championship brings a lively competition for gaming fans looking to grab top honours in three categories: Kids, Craft, and Performance. Each category crowns three winners, carefully selected by esteemed judges including @pufacosplay, @shadowhart.cosplay, and @dreamcherries.cosplay. Young cosplayers aged 6-13 years can bring their favourite characters to life for the Kids category; while the Craft category focuses on costume construction and design, rewarding attention to detail and skill. Meanwhile, the Performance category highlights the theatrical aspect of cosplay, judging participants on their ability to embody characters and engage the audience. Winners stand the chance to take home cash prizes worth AED 5,000; while two runners-up will be awarded AED 2,000 and AED 1,000. Registration is still open for fans through the DEF website.

Witness Esports Greatness at Play Beyond

Gaming enthusiasts can watch their favourite gamers go head-to-head in the Play Beyond gaming showdown on 4 and 5 May, as two teams of four gaming stars each battle it out in a thrilling live show of the best gaming talent. Heart-pounding action will take centre stage from 7-9pm with unforgettable matchups between regional and global esports stars including @aboflah, @banderitax, @shongxbong, @jash_dhoka, @jain_ritik, as well as leading gaming creators from Red Bull.

VIP ticket holders can meet their gaming heroes in exclusive sessions, capture epic selfies, and create lasting memories. Limited VIP tickets are still up for grabs, starting from AED 359, and include priority seating, access to GameExpo across the three-day event, customised merchandise, and an AED 100 food and beverage voucher.

Experience An Epic Pop-Culture Showcase

The COMICAVE™ pop-culture experience at GameExpo promises special showcases, comic book releases, artwork launches, robot demos, competitions, workshops, and lots more. Comic lovers can also witness famed international artists in action at the stand during thrilling live drawing sessions, including Will Robon, Marco Santucci, Maria Laura Sanapo, and Rafael Lopez. On 4 May, fans can celebrate the global Star Wars Day and witness the launch of an all-new, limited edition Mandalorian-inspired designer toy that goes on sale.

Tournament Thrills

Gamers can join in a host of exciting esports tournaments at DEF, featuring popular competitive games, a generous prize pool, and a thrilling schedule. talabat’s interactive booth at GameExpo offers fans the chance to go head-to-head in a League of Legends tournament, in partnership with Riot Games. The Dubai Police stand is hosting tournaments in EAFC24, Fortnite, Valorant, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Tekken 8, where top three winners in each game can take home a share from a prize pool of AED 70,000.

Recharge at F&B Zones

Visitors can also recharge at the talabat lounge and the F&B zone with a variety of food and casual eats, or win big with exciting online and in-person competitions. ⁠talabat’s autonomous food delivery robots “talabots” will also be around the booth to serve snacks to attendees.

Immersive Gaming Zones for All

Beyond the non-stop action, GameExpo boasts dedicated zones catering to every gamer’s interest. Attendees can explore the freshest game releases and previews in the Gaming District or get a glimpse into the future of gaming technology at the Future Zone. For a nostalgic trip down memory lane, the Retro Zone awaits. Fans can unearth unique gaming-themed art for purchase at The Narrows, while gamers looking to upgrade their setup can find the latest tech available for purchase at Electric Avenue.

Secure Your Spot Now for the Final Weekend

One-day passes start at AED 29 for students and AED 59 for adults. Weekend tickets for full access over three days start at AED 59 for students and AED 119 for adults. Families can book a day ticket for two adults and two children from AED 119 or a three-day pass from AED 299. For an upgraded experience, limited VIP tickets are available for Saturday or Sunday from AED 359, offering access to the Play Beyond Influencer Meet and Greet, which includes priority seating, access to GameExpo across the three-day event, customised merchandise, and an AED 100 food and beverage voucher. Tickets can be booked through this link. Children under 5 enter for free.

The DEF GameExpo is hosted with the support of Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Next, Dubai Police, Dubai Sports Council and in partnership with du, Emirates NBD, talabat, Samsung, Rove, Red Bull, VOX, Nongshim, Virgin Radio, Tik Tok, and Jio Games.

For more information and updates on Dubai Esports & Games Festival 2024, please visit the DEF website.

Last Updated on 8 months by News Desk 2