DreamHack Atlanta 2025 wasn’t just a tournament weekend — it was a multi‑day endurance test. Long walks across the venue, packed BYOC rows, limited outlets, nonstop noise, and the mental pressure of competing around some of the best players in the scene. I didn’t publish this immediately because I didn’t want it to be a rushed recap. This is a reflection on what it actually took to get through DreamHack 2025 — physically, mentally, and logistically — and the exact tools that made it possible.
This isn’t a “best gear” list. Everything below is something I personally carried, plugged in, competed with, or relied on across multiple days at DHATL2025.
Walking Into DreamHack (Arrival Energy)
Walking into DreamHack each day was a reminder of scale. Rows of setups, players locked in, TOs already managing brackets before noon. Once you’re inside, leaving your setup isn’t easy — which means what you carry on you matters.
Arrival & Carry Essentials
These were part of my baseline before I ever sat down:
PGmoon Console Backpack (PS5 / Laptop / Accessories)
This backpack handled my laptop, PS5, controllers, cables, and accessories without feeling overloaded. Moving through the venue with everything secured made daily entry and exit stress‑free.
👉 https://amzn.to/49gTcXz
MOSISO 360 Protective Laptop Case
I used this sleeve to safely carry my leverless controller. It made transporting it between setups and storage painless while keeping buttons protected.
👉 https://amzn.to/4skSPUr
The People That Make the FGC Work
DreamHack only functions because of TOs, staff, and community members constantly keeping things moving. Between matches, setup adjustments, and crowd flow, this was a reminder that majors are a collective effort.
BYOC Survival: Long Session Setup Reality
This is where preparation either pays off or punishes you.
Display, Capture & Input Reliability
Samsung Odyssey G3 24” Gaming Monitor
This was my primary display for nonstop sessions. Stable refresh rate, easy adjustments, and zero issues across long days.
👉 https://amzn.to/3MYHzgq
Monitor Carrying Case (24” Padded Travel Bag)
Transporting a monitor safely through a massive venue is non‑negotiable. This case kept my display protected the entire trip.
👉 https://amzn.to/45mLc62
4K HDMI Capture Card (1080p60 USB 3.0)
Used every single day at DreamHack for recording and streaming. Plug‑and‑play reliability meant no wasted time troubleshooting.
👉 https://amzn.to/44Trxum
IVANKY DisplayPort 1.4 Cable
Maintained high‑resolution output away from my main setup with zero signal issues.
👉 https://amzn.to/3LnaU3A
USB 3.0 Male‑to‑Male Cable
Quick, easy data transfers to external storage between sessions.
👉 https://amzn.to/3NoY5pX
Competitive Controls & Console Compatibility
Sehawei Haute42 R16 Leverless Controller
This was my main controller for bracket and side competitive runs. Consistency across Days 1–3 made it essential for competition.
👉 https://amzn.to/4jho3aQ
Sehawei Haute42 Booter5 Dongle Adapter
Required for competing on PS5 without interruptions. Firmware should be updated before events — this saved me from compatibility issues.
👉 https://amzn.to/44RLJNj
Power, Connectivity & Redundancy
Anker Power Strip Surge Protector (12 Outlets + USB‑C)
Outlets aren’t guaranteed at majors. This ensured everything stayed powered regardless of table placement.
👉 https://amzn.to/4smVmh0
Vabogu Cat 8 Ethernet Cable (40ft)
You don’t always know how far the nearest port will be. I got lucky — but having extra length is peace of mind. I recommend 50ft for majors.
👉 https://amzn.to/49FCEsz
Acer USB 3.0 Hub (4 Ports)
Extra USB ports are a must when running capture, peripherals, and storage simultaneously.
👉 https://amzn.to/4947XOB
Audio, Cooling & Security
HyperX SoloCast USB Microphone
Cardioid pickup helped reduce background noise when recording or streaming in a loud environment.
👉 https://amzn.to/49n99vm
NexiGo StreamCam N930E
Built‑in ring light reduced the need for extra accessories while capturing content on‑site.
👉 https://amzn.to/45mKJRk
Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad
Kept my laptop cool during long capture sessions without adding noise distractions.
👉 https://amzn.to/490l17A
Kensington Desktop & Peripherals Locking Kit
A solid way to secure equipment when stepping away from the setup.
👉 https://amzn.to/4qCGNUU
TSA Combination Locks (4‑Pack)
Simple, effective theft deterrence for bags and cases.
👉 https://amzn.to/4q2mO1O
Freebies, Swag & Small Wins
Between matches and downtime, grabbing freebies and swag added some light moments to an otherwise demanding schedule. These small breaks helped reset mentally between long sessions.
What DreamHack 2025 Changed for Me
DreamHack reinforced that majors aren’t just about execution — they’re about endurance. Preparation, redundancy, and comfort matter just as much as matchups. Going forward, my training, travel prep, and on‑site workflow will reflect that reality.
This experience directly shapes how I approach tournaments, content creation, and competition moving into 2026.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re planning your first major, everything linked here earned its spot through real use — not hype. The right preparation doesn’t guarantee wins, but it gives you the chance to focus on what matters when it counts.
Disclosure: Some links above are Amazon affiliate links. They support the channel at no extra cost to you.