Gower College Swansea’s Esports Department had the opportunity to attend DreamHack Stockholm again in 2025, taking eight learners to gain meaningful work experience within the esports industry and exposure to international practice.
DreamHack is one of the largest esports and gaming festivals in the world, making it an incredible environment in which to gain real-world insight into the industry. The visit gave students first-hand experience of a wide range of career pathways linked to their course, as well as the opportunity to observe live tournaments and understand large-scale event production. Julian Sheppard, E-sports reflected:
“Going to DreamHack helped me see just how big and fast-moving the esports industry really is. It gave me a much better understanding of the different roles, the skills needed, and the level of dedication required to succeed. It also made me think about what I personally need to focus on and work towards if I want to build a career in this industry.”
During the event, learners visited a variety of exhibitor and industry stalls, where they learned about different organisations operating within esports, including teams, tournament organisers, publishers, production companies and technology providers. Esports student Tom Baker E-Sports student said:
“I really enjoyed being able to speak directly with esports teams and different organisations. Seeing how they operate in real life, watching events take place, and having the chance to ask questions made everything much clearer than just learning about it in class.”
Learners also met and spoke directly with industry professionals, discussing their roles and responsibilities as well as potential routes into the industry. In addition, they engaged with esports teams to learn more about team structures, competitive environments and the operational side of professional esports.
“This mobility had a clear positive impact on learner confidence, motivation and industry awareness. Being able to engage directly with professionals helped learners better understand the range of roles available within esports and how their course links to real-world employment opportunities” explained Kiran Jones, Esports Lecturer.
The knowledge and experience gained from this visit will be fed directly into teaching and learning on the esports course through real-world examples, industry-informed discussions and an increased focus on employability. The experience has also supported the exploration of future international opportunities and potential industry connections that could further benefit learners.