Today, we are excited to reveal the first round of details about the ESL Pro Tour in 2025, our Counter-Strike ecosystem. This will include changes to the EPT Championship and Masters events invitation process, the announcement of ticket sales for our flagship events IEM Cologne 2025 and IEM Katowice 2025 and many more.
The major changes to the invitation process come in alignment with Valve's updated operational guidelines for Counter-Strike esports in 2025. While adhering to the new requirements, EPT is to remain true to its core values and competitive spirit, ensuring that fans and players continue to experience the highest level of competition. Going forward, all invites to qualifiers and main events will be based on the Valve Regional Standings (VRS), replacing the previously used ESL World Ranking.
More details surrounding our EPT Challenger Tier and grassroots competitions will follow at a later date. To not miss any important updates, sign up for our newsletter now and follow ESLCS on X,
Instagram, and Facebook.
22M+ USD for 2025 & 2026
We’re committed to both teams and players in our continued long-term investment in Counter-Strike. As such our annual financial contribution of 11M+ USD will be dedicated towards teams and players participating in the circuit throughout both 2025 and 2026. This annual contribution to teams and players comes on top of our hospitality spend included in each event, which will continue to feature top of the line accommodation, flights, practice setups and on site hospitality. The complete breakdown of how the contribution is distributed across our 7 events will be revealed soon.
Teams will furthermore continue the Grand Slam race for a chance to win the 1M USD cash prize.
2025 calendar
The coming calendar year will see the return of fan-favorite locations as well as iconic selling-out arenas around the world. We believe in a global footprint, ensuring teams and fans alike get to experience thrilling competitions in all parts of the world.
"The EPT for Counter-Strike is the definition of EFG’s commitment to fostering a fruitful competitive environment and continually nourishing Counter-Strike’s heritage, as we’ve done since 2000," said Marc Winther, Director Game Ecosystems - Counter-Strike, at ESL FACEIT Group.
Additional details, including specific event details and more, will be revealed at a later date. Details surrounding the event previously announced for Aug 20-24 will follow in a separate release.
ESL PRo Tour Championships
EPT Championships are the pinnacle of the ecosystem, taking place twice a year. Featuring the 24 best teams in the world, this is where the ultimate Champions are crowned and history is written.
EPT Championships for 2025 will include 2x Intel® Extreme Masters (IEM) events:
IEM Katowice 2025January 29 - February 9, 2025
IEM Cologne 2025July 23 - August 3, 2025
IEM Katowice 2025
As per tradition, the ESL Pro Tour will be kicking off the year with the ESL Pro Tour Winter Championship, returning to the iconic Spodek Arena in Katowice, Poland, with the final three days of competition being played in front of a live audience.
- Stage 1
- Consists of 16 Global VRS invites, with teams put into a single double-elimination bracket
- All matches will be played in a best-of-three format
- Stage 2
- Consists of 8 Global VRS invites and the top 8 teams from Stage 1, with teams split into two double-elimination groups
- All matches will be played in a best-of-three format
- Playoffs
- Features the top 6 teams from Stage 2
- Quarterfinals and Semifinals will be played in a best-of-three format
- Grand Final will be played as a best-of-five
Stage 1
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
Stage 2
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
IEM Cologne 2025
The ESL Pro Tour Summer Championship will follow after the summer break, with the legendary Cathedral of Counter-Strike returning to the LANXESS Arena in Cologne, Germany.
- Stage 1
- Consists of 16 Global VRS invites, with teams put into a single double-elimination bracket
- All matches will be played in a best-of-three format
- Stage 2
- Consists of 8 Global VRS invites and the top 8 teams from Stage 1, with teams split into two double-elimination groups
- All matches will be played in a best-of-three format
- Playoffs
- Features the top 6 teams from Stage 2
- Quarterfinals and Semifinals will be played in a best-of-three format
- Grand Final will be played as a best-of-five
Stage 1
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-24th)
Stage 2
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
ESL PRo Tour Masters
EPT Masters competitions stand as the backbone of the ecosystem. Top-tier teams from around the globe compete on international stages to prove themselves in the race to be high enough in standings to make the EPT Championships each season. In 2025, Masters-level IEM tournaments will see 16 teams competing and we are removing the best-of-one map opening matches, meaning all matches in the group stage will be played in a best-of-three format.
IEM Spring 2025April 21 - 27
IEM Dallas 2025May 19 - 25
IEM Chengdu 2025November 3 - 9
EPL Season 21February 15 - March 16
EPL Season 22September 23 - October 12
IEM Spring 2025
- Group Stage
- Consists of 16 invited teams by VRS (10 Global, 2 Europe, 2 Americas, 2 Asia)
- Teams are split in two double-elimination groups
- All matches will be played in a best-of-three format
- Playoffs
- Features the top 6 teams from the Group Stage
- Quarterfinals and Semifinals will be played in a best-of-three format
- Grand Final will be played as a best-of-five
Group Stage
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-2nd)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-2nd)
- Americas VRS Invite (1st-2nd)
- Americas VRS Invite (1st-2nd)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-2nd)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-2nd)
IEM DALLAS 2025
For this event, we will explore 50% of the teams being VRS-invited teams and 50% coming from qualifiers. This should provide more opportunities for teams to qualify across the four regions. More details about the qualifiers will be announced soon.
- Group Stage
- Consists of 8 invited teams by VRS (5 Europe, 1 North America, 1 South America, 1 Asia)
- Qualifiers will take place in 4 regions, qualifying the remaining 8 teams through open and closed qualifiers
- Teams are split teams in two double-elimination groups
- All matches will be played in a best-of-three format
- Playoffs
- Features the top 6 teams from the Group Stage
- Quarterfinals and Semifinals will be played in a best-of-three format
- Grand Final will be played as a best-of-five
Group Stage
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-5th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-5th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-5th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-5th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-5th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st)
- South America VRS Invite (1st)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st)
- Europe (Closed Qualifier)
- Europe (Closed Qualifier)
- Europe (Closed Qualifier)
- Europe (Closed Qualifier)
- Europe (Closed Qualifier)
- North America (Closed Qualifier)
- South America (Closed Qualifier)
- Asia (Closed Qualifier)
IEM Chengdu 2025
- Group Stage
- Consists of 16 invited teams by VRS (10 Global, 2 Europe, 2 Americas, 2 Asia)
- Teams are split in two double-elimination groups
- All matches will be played in a best-of-three format
- Playoffs
- Features the top 6 teams from the Group Stage
- Quarterfinals and Semifinals will be played in a best-of-three format
- Grand Final will be played as a best-of-five
Group Stage
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-2nd)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-2nd)
- Americas VRS Invite (1st-2nd)
- Americas VRS Invite (1st-2nd)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-2nd)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-2nd)
ESL Pro League Season 21
In 2025, ESL Pro League will be setting off with its 21st season, following a 10-year long legacy which began in 2015. Entering the new year includes big changes to the format and will now feature 24 teams competing. With the use of Swiss Tournament Format, we also plan to innovate how this format is used. More on that later.
Season 21 will be treated as a transition season, honoring the ESL Pro Tour connections from 2024. This means ESL Challenger League Season 48 winners and runner-ups from 5 regions will be invited together with the ESL Challenger winners from Atlanta and Katowice. More info on this will be released in the future.
- Stage 1
- Consists of 16 teams competing in a Swiss Tournament Format
- All matches will be best-of-three
- Stage 2
- Consists of 8 Global VRS invites and 8 teams advancing from Stage 1
- 16 teams will compete in a Swiss Tournament Format
- All matches will be best-of-three
- Playoffs
- Features the top 8 teams from Stage 2
- Quarterfinals and Semifinals will be played in a best-of-three format
- Grand Final will be played as a best-of-five
Stage 1
- ESL Challenger League S48 EU Winner
- ESL Challenger League S48 EU Runner-up
- ESL Challenger League S48 NA Winner
- ESL Challenger League S48 NA Runner-up
- ESL Challenger League S48 AS Winner
- ESL Challenger League S48 AS Runner-up
- ESL Challenger League S48 SA Winner
- ESL Challenger League S48 SA Runner-up
- ESL Challenger League S48 OCE Winner
- ESL Challenger League S48 OCE Runner-up
- ESL Challenger Atlanta 2024 Winner
- ESL Challenger Katowice 2024 Winner
- Global VRS Invite (9th-12th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-12th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-12th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-12th)
Stage 2
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
ESL Pro League Season 22
Season 22 will still feature the path-way from the ESL Challenger League, inviting the winning teams from each of the 5 regions. Additionally, we will be running regional qualifications in Europe, North America, South America and Asia.
- Stage 1
- Consists of 16 teams competing in a Swiss Tournament Format
- All matches will be best-of-three
- Stage 2
- Consists of 8 Global VRS invites and 8 teams advancing from Stage 1
- 16 teams will compete in a Swiss Tournament Format
- All matches will be best-of-three
- Playoffs
- Features the top 8 teams from Stage 2
- Quarterfinals and Semifinals will be played in a best-of-three format
- Grand Final will be played as a best-of-five
Stage 1
- Tier 1 Online Regional Event (EU) Winner
- Tier 1 Online Regional Event (NA) Winner
- Tier 1 Online Regional Event (SA) Winner
- Tier 1 Online Regional Event (AS) Winner
- ESL Challenger League S49 EU Winner
- ESL Challenger League S49 NA Winner
- ESL Challenger League S49 SA Winner
- ESL Challenger League S49 AS Winner
- ESL Challenger League S49 OCE Winner
- Global VRS Invite (9th-15th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-15th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-15th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-15th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-15th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-15th)
- Global VRS Invite (9th-15th)
Stage 2
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Global VRS Invite (1st-8th)
Outro
Like you, we breathe Counter-Strike and can't wait to see what 2025 has in store for us.
To keep up to date with our plans for 2025 and not miss any important updates, as always, make sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow ESLCS on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
key dates & information
| Scroll for more | IEM Katowice 2025 | EPL Season 21 | IEM Melbourne 2025 | IEM Dallas 2025 | IEM Cologne 2025 | EWC | EPL Season 22 | IEM Chengdu 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dates | Jan 29 - Feb 9 | Feb 25 - Mar 16 | Apr 21 - 27 | May 19 - 25 | Jul 23 - Aug 3 | Sep 23 - Oct 12 | Nov 3 - 9 | |
| Detailed dates Clarified that these are LAN |
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| Invited teams The number of Rosters subject to a Direct VRS Invite and/or Wildcard Invite, if any.
| 21 | 11 | 16 | 8 | 24 | TBD | 14 | 16 |
| The location | Poland | Europe | Australia | USA | Germany | Saudi Arabia | Europe | China |
| Open Qualifier Whether an Open Qualifier will be part of the Tournament and if so the rules for such an Open Qualifier. | No qualifier | |||||||
| Qualyfing Ranks The Qualifying Rank from which Licensee will begin invitations. | 1 for Tier 1 Events | |||||||
| Prize pool and distribution rules The prize pool and the rules for its distribution. To the degree that Licensee compensates Teams, Rosters or Athletes for appearing at Tournaments in any other way (e.g. guaranteed payments for appearances, revenue shares in sponsorships or media rights etc.), Licensee will publish comprehensive information of all such compensation. | Prize pool is easy Team rev is complicated | |||||||
| VRS Invites A definition of the filters to the VRS (if any) that Direct VRS Invites will be based on. | tbd | |||||||
