Gamers unite at DreamHack 2024: Hyderabad hosts BYOD gaming extravaganza
18 Nov 2024 7:45 AM IST
Gaming enthusiasts transformed the Hitex Exhibition Centre into a digital battleground during DreamHack 2024.
Hyderabad: Gaming enthusiasts transformed the Hitex Exhibition Centre into a digital battleground during DreamHack 2024. The BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) section, a global hallmark of DreamHack events, drew participants from across the country, bringing with them high-end rigs, upgraded laptops, and an unwavering passion for gaming.
For three days and nights, Convention Hall 2 buzzed with the sounds of clicking keyboards and intense gaming, as players competed in titles such as eFootball, The Finals, World Cricket Championship 3 (WCC 3), Brawlhalla, Counter-Strike 2, and Spectre Divide. With a prize pool of ₹4.64 lakh, stakes were high, but the camaraderie among players remained a defining feature of the event.
“This concept is widely recognised in Sweden and other countries, but it’s gradually gaining traction in India,” said Nihar, team lead for BYOD at DreamHack. “We had around 50 to 60 participants over the past two days. While some are here for fun, others see it as a serious competition.”
For Sarfraz, a regular participant, the event was more than just a gaming marathon. “It’s not just about the games; it's a break from our daily routines,” he said, adding that spending nights at the venue has become a tradition. “We don’t get this kind of bonding time anywhere else.”
Alic, another participant and avid gamer since 2016, echoed the sentiment. “At BYOD, we meet new people, try different games, and compete. It’s a culture that’s still growing in India, but the potential is huge,” he said. Despite his team's elimination in a Valorant tournament, Alic remained upbeat. “It’s all about being part of the community and learning through competition.”
The event also highlighted the growing popularity of e-sports in India, with both casual gamers and professionals converging to celebrate their shared love for gaming. As BYOD culture gains momentum, DreamHack 2024 proved to be a milestone for India’s e-sports landscape.
For three days and nights, Convention Hall 2 buzzed with the sounds of clicking keyboards and intense gaming, as players competed in titles such as eFootball, The Finals, World Cricket Championship 3 (WCC 3), Brawlhalla, Counter-Strike 2, and Spectre Divide. With a prize pool of ₹4.64 lakh, stakes were high, but the camaraderie among players remained a defining feature of the event.
“This concept is widely recognised in Sweden and other countries, but it’s gradually gaining traction in India,” said Nihar, team lead for BYOD at DreamHack. “We had around 50 to 60 participants over the past two days. While some are here for fun, others see it as a serious competition.”
For Sarfraz, a regular participant, the event was more than just a gaming marathon. “It’s not just about the games; it's a break from our daily routines,” he said, adding that spending nights at the venue has become a tradition. “We don’t get this kind of bonding time anywhere else.”
Alic, another participant and avid gamer since 2016, echoed the sentiment. “At BYOD, we meet new people, try different games, and compete. It’s a culture that’s still growing in India, but the potential is huge,” he said. Despite his team's elimination in a Valorant tournament, Alic remained upbeat. “It’s all about being part of the community and learning through competition.”
The event also highlighted the growing popularity of e-sports in India, with both casual gamers and professionals converging to celebrate their shared love for gaming. As BYOD culture gains momentum, DreamHack 2024 proved to be a milestone for India’s e-sports landscape.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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