In view of Halo Fest 2026, Halo Studios and ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) have announced a new series of open tournaments dedicated to the Halo saga, which will begin during the DreamHack Birmingham in March 2026. The event marks the start of a new phase for the Halo competitive scene, with off-season tournaments designed to keep fans’ passion alive even after the conclusion of the Halo Championship Series dedicated to Halo Infinite.
The DreamHack Open Birmingham featuring Halo will host a series of open tournaments dedicated to various titles from the saga, spread across the three days of the event. The aim is to celebrate the competitive “grassroots” spirit that has always accompanied the Halo community, with formats designed for all players: 4v4, 2v2 and Free-for-All, with online qualifiers for the main 4v4 tournament taking place ahead of the event. DreamHack and Halo Studios have enjoyed a long-standing collaboration, with previous events ranging from the Halo Championship Series to the MCC Pro Series and Halo 5 tournaments. This new edition will also offer participants a memorable experience, enhanced by a dedicated prize pool to be revealed soon.
Tahir “Tashi” Hasangjekaj, Director of Competitive Engagement at Halo Studios, has stated:
“Halo is an integral part of DreamHack for nearly a decade and has always offered unforgettable experiences to our community. We are grateful to our historic partners, who continue to support the competitive scene, and we are pleased to contribute cash prizes and travel for players on the occasion of this extraordinary franchise’s 25th anniversary.”
Also Adam Apicella, of ESL FACEIT Group, commented on the announcement:
“We’re excited to continue the Halo legacy at DreamHack Birmingham next spring. Halo holds a special place in gaming and esports history, and this tournament series, combined with the 25th anniversary of Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo Fest, will make 2026 a truly memorable year for all fans.”