After the summer version it was time for the winter edition of Dreamhack. After my first summer edition this is my third winter edition. This of course as photographer of Pack4Dreamhack. For me the trip always starts in Enschede, the last option to get on the bus. From here we travel through Germany, Denmark and then across Sweden to arrive in Jönköping. During this trip we took two times the boat. After the second boat the packers decided to hit the dust. This results in a quiet bus with only the drivers and maybe two others awake. The trip went without problems. Result: arrive 7:15, a small line already in front of the entrance, inside no lights where burning yet.
So the waiting started, it was cold outside, this resulted that most packers did stay inside the bus. After the entrance bands where gained, the group pictures was taken:
All the packers rushed in to our places. First thing that was noticeable was the setup of hall B was changed, more space for esport and of course the extension of the hall. During my first walk through the different halls some changes where made. The watching of esport was mainly concentrated in hall B. Hall C the esport players where still around with less stand or reporting on projectors of the battles (mainly in hall B located now). Hall D the biggest of all had the less changes, main stage was on same location as last time, only different is some improvement like Christmas trees, DJ boot with ice blocks looks, other build of the trusts. 
During the afternoon the official opening was taking place, this with fire and frost (co2) show. It was better then the last times i was on the event, felt more like the first time Dreamhack! After the official part the openings act was for a packer of us, DJ Dixz. It was early but already some people joined the dance floor for this, still a lot of empty seats in the halls, but that does not matter to enjoy a good show!
Full set can be watched on youtube: DixZ – Dreamhack Winter 2012
Pack4Dreamhack recap on youtube: Dixz @ Mainstage – Intel Pack4DreamHack
After the show i decided to get the photos done and lay down for a while. During the walk towards my sleeping location i figured out Headhunterz would run a show within two hours. So lay down for almost one hour and headed back to the event.
When i arrived and walked towards the backstage of the main stage i saw a huge audience already. That was something new for me, did see a lot of shows, but not that large amount of people waiting for an artist during Dreamhack.
When Headhunterz went onstage his name was shouted by the audience. Took photos from different location to give an impression how immense it was.
After the show Headhunterz went on photo with fans and such.
Guess it where around 300 people standing outside the backstage waiting for this. After he got back in the crew of Dreamhack also wanted to go with him on the photo. I know he is the number 1 Hardstyle DJ, but this surprised me even. Had even a talk with him and his manager. Great people to talk with and they also did not expect something like this on a lanparty! Thanks for the show Headhunterz!
Pack4Dreamhack recap on youtube: Headhunterz at Dreamhack – Intel Pack4DreamHack
Friday was a bit of a slacking day for me, took some photos here and there. Talked with some known people and met even some new people. We went out for dinner and had a good evening, even played a game! Worms it was with friends, we had a good and joyful time. In the end it was 4 o clock when i headed to bed.
Saturday I needed to be out on time for something special. The reason is simple: Pong Competition on main stage! The story behind it: We had a person with the nickname Stitch among the packers. Along came an Atari 2600 Jr. (1984) and the game Pong. This a really a old skool retro game! Stitch also does a lot back in the Netherlands with retro gaming. The group is called Awesome Retro and collection all kind of awesome vintage gaming consoles and their accessories. The main stage slot was already arranged without testing the game(the game was just picked up before leaving to Sweden). So we tested it and had already fun with it! Next things Stitch arranged where a TV, prices and some hands to help him out during the competition on the main stage.The Dreamhack Media Team found it a challenge to make it possible, they do all things digital. The fun part, none did know what to expect. When it started the line was there instant, think it started with 20 people and later on around 140 people standing in the line to play against each other.
The movie is posted on youtube: Pong Competition – Dreamhack Winter 2012
Due to copyrights not possible to watch in The Netherlands, here an other link: Awesome Retro Pong.
In the evening the final of Starcraft 2 was played in DreamArena Kinnarps Arena, which is the icehockey venue Kinnarps Arena in Jönköping. Last time it was here i was at an other final. The matches went fast and so the final was done within 50 minutes. Final for Starcraft means best of 7. It ended 4 to 0 for Hero, who steamrolled his teammate TaeJa. Impressive to see the matches inside an Arena. So here some impression photos of it:
After the final of Starcraft 2 it was time to do all the photos that i have at that point. This so i could put them online before getting some rest and have a fresh start for the way back. Which went fine and made it possible to be home around 11:30 in the evening. Putting some stuff away and headed to bed.
All photos during our trip can be find on https://www.facebook.com/Pack4DreamHack
Thanks all for the amazing event1
