Tournament format
From the first time when the event was created, the tournament has used different formats, as organizers were trying to find a perfect way to both be fan-pleasing and the best possible setup for the players.
The latest format of the tournament consists of two stages: A group stage and the Playoffs.
Group Stage
The group stage consists out of two separate groups, both consisting of 8 teams each.
The first matches are being played as Bo1, while all the ones that follow are Bo3.
After that, the best 3 ranked teams from both groups go to the Playoffs.
The number 1 team in each group goes straight into Semifinals, while the others are rewarded with a place in the quarterfinals.
Playoffs
The Grand Final is a BO3.
Sometimes the organizer will test out new concepts and formats. Therefore always check the tournament page if you would like to study a specific tournament.Whats special about DreamHack Masters
DreamHack Masters is an offline, S-Tier type of tournament that becomes a home for only the most skilled and most talented players, during a certain period of the year.
Becoming the champion at DreamHack Masters does not only show the quality and the value of the team but is also an opportunity to gain a lot of fans and also earn a part of the amazing prize pool.
DreamHack Masters's first event
Even though DreamHack as a company was founded way back in 1994, their first DreamHack Masters tournament took place in 2016 in Malmö, Sweden.
It all happened in Malmö Arena, where 16 of the world’s best teams at the time fought for the very first title of DreamHack Masters.
It was a perfect first tournament for DreamHack Masters, as the fan-favorite NiP came into the tournament as one of the strongest teams in the Counter-Strike scene at the time.
The pool prize was an amazing $250,000. The winner was as mentioned NiP ($100,000), followed by NAVI that took the 2nd place ($50,000).