ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION — This weekend, tens of thousands of gamers will crowd the Georgia World Congress Center, many clad in esports jerseys and costumes, for DreamHack Atlanta.

Some of them are fighting for $1.1 million in prize money in esports competitions. Others are looking to network with gaming companies to land jobs or internships, introduce games they have developed or purely connect with enthusiasts of their favorite franchises.

DreamHack, which spans three days starting Friday, is one of the largest gaming and esports events held in Georgia every year, attracting both professional and amateur players of console, PC, virtual reality and tabletop games, along with developers, artists and other media personalities.

There are areas for attendees to connect their devices to a local-area network to play games together, manufacturers to showcase new hardware and independent game studios to showcase their titles. Many of the spoils associated with these types of conventions are also found at DreamHack, such as cosplay competitions, meet and greets with creators in the gaming world and performances. Shaboozey, whose song “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” entered its 12th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week, is the headliner.

In essence, it’s the gaming version of a music festival, said Todd Harris, the president of Atlanta esports live event and production company Skillshot Media.

“Picture multiple stages. Some have major competitions going on, some are small with just a 6-foot table and everything in between. There’s definitely some sensory overload,” Harris said.

DreamHack is the final event in Games Week Georgia, a weeklong affair of business, networking and professional development events for the gaming industry. [MORE]