As the 49th season of ESL Challenger League is now in the rear mirror, it’s time to release the changes which are put in place for the upcoming season, starting in August.
Today’s announcement features a structural and format update for ESL Challenger League and as previously mentioned in the ESL Pro League Season 23: Additional Information post from March 7, 2025, ESL Challenger League needed to move towards a structure that would better align with the VRS structure. In the current Valve’s ecosystem regulations (Tournament Operating Requirements), the previous league format is not supported anymore, and with that, we had to change format to make sure we stay compliant with the regulations.
After seeking feedback from ECL participants, we designed a new structure for the upcoming season. We have tailored the regional formats to address their specific needs.
Going forward, ECL will require less commitment from participating teams (so they can be more flexible with competing in other tournaments), it will be more compact, and will require less matches played to qualify into ESL Pro League. On top of all of this, we are also removing best-of-ones, and moving to best-of-threes across all regions.
Before you dive deeper in and read about all of the changes made, we want to mention that feedback will be monitored and welcomed in the upcoming season. If there is room for further development, we want to explore those changes for the future.
STRUCTURE CHANGE AND DURATION
Starting with Season 50, ESL Challenger League will transition from its current league format, to a cup-based structure. Each region will host 4 cups per season, with each cup having two weeks of playdays. This way, ESL Challenger League is a short-term commitment, and more streamlined for teams. The upcoming season will continue to feature a total of $290,000 in prize money and provide 5 slots to ESL Pro League Season 23 in 2026.
At the end of each season (after Cup #4 finishes) each region will feature Regional Finals. As all individual regional cups are a Tier 2 event, Regional Finals are considered a Tier 2 Wildcard event.
Based on the Wildcard Invite mechanism, where: “A team has placed first or second place in any Tournament, of equal or lesser tier than the one issuing the invite, during the preceding 6 months.”, any team advancing to the Regional Finals, must have won one of the individual cups, to be eligible for the invite.
With that mechanism, we’re also inviting the winner of each Regional Finals to the next season of ESL Pro League.
It is worth noting that a winner of a cup can still participate in the subsequent cups in the season, and depending on their placement in those cups, additional rules will be applied for the Regional Finals:
- If a team wins 2 cups - they will advance directly to the Grand Final of the Regional Finals
- If a team wins 3 cups - Semifinals are cancelled, and the team will be granted a 1 map advantage in the Grand Final
- If a team wins 4 cups - Regional Finals is cancelled, and the team will qualify directly to ESL Pro League
SLOT DISTRIBUTION
Regarding the slots for each cup, they would be allocated through a combination of ESEA League placements and VRS invitations. This way, ESL Challenger League will continue to serve as an important, open pathway for amateur teams starting in ESEA League, and climbing to ESL Pro League.
We will be adding a structured progression for teams and rewarding higher placements with more opportunities. Based on the team’s final placement in the region’s highest ESEA League division:
- Europe, North America, South America, and Asia:
- 1st place: Invitation to all four cups
- 2nd place: Invitation to the first three cups
- 3rd place: Invitation to the first two cups
- 4th place: Invitation to the first cup
- Oceania:
- 1st place: Invitation to the first two cups
- 2nd place: Invitation to the first cup
Note that the slot distribution through combination of ESEA League placements and VRS invitations, is an exception that was granted to us by Valve for ESL Challenger League Season 50, which can be found in Tournament Exceptions.
FORMATS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
All of the regions will undergo some form of change, categorized into:
- Format change (removal of round robin and 2x best-of-one)
- Team participants increase or decrease
- Slot distribution and invites
- Prize pool adjustments
Europe
Cup #1
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $25,000
- Participants: 32 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Monday, August 11th - Saturday, August 16th & Tuesday, August 26th - Monday, September 1st
- Location: Online (European servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot Distribution
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-24th)
- ESEA Advanced 52 EU (1st)
- ESEA Advanced 52 EU (2nd)
- ESEA Advanced 52 EU (3rd)
- ESEA Advanced 52 EU (4th)
- ESEA Advanced 53 EU (1st)
- ESEA Advanced 53 EU (2nd)
- ESEA Advanced 53 EU (3rd)
- ESEA Advanced 53 EU (4th)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of July 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: July 29th, 2025
Cup #2
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $25,000
- Participants: 32 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Monday, September 8th - Saturday, September 13th & Wednesday, September 17th - Tuesday, September 23rd
- Location: Online (European servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot Distribution
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-26th)
- ESEA Advanced 52 EU (1st)
- ESEA Advanced 52 EU (2nd)
- ESEA Advanced 52 EU (3rd)
- ESEA Advanced 53 EU (1st)
- ESEA Advanced 53 EU (2nd)
- ESEA Advanced 53 EU (3rd)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of August 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: August 26th, 2025
Cup #3
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $25,000
- Participants: 32 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Sunday, October 5th - Friday, October 10th & Tuesday, October 14th - Monday, October 20th
- Location: Online (European servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot Distribution
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-28th)
- ESEA Advanced 52 EU (1st)
- ESEA Advanced 52 EU (2nd)
- ESEA Advanced 53 EU (1st)
- ESEA Advanced 53 EU (2nd)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of September 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: September 22nd, 2025
Cup #4
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $25,000
- Participants: 32 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Saturday, October 25th - Thursday, October 30th & Monday, November 10th - Sunday, November 16th
- Location: Online (European servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot Distribution
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- Europe VRS Invite (1st-30th)
- ESEA Advanced 52 EU (1st)
- ESEA Advanced 53 EU (1st)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of October 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: October 13th, 2025
WINNINGS (per cup): $25,000
Place | Prize Money |
|---|---|
1. | $12,000 |
2. | $5,000 |
3. | $2,250 |
4. | $1,750 |
5-6. | $1,250 |
7-8. | $750 |
All other places | $0 |
Europe Regional Finals
- Ranked Tier 2 Wildcard event
- Participants: 4 teams
- Format: Single elimination, semifinal matches best-of-three, grand final match best-of-five
- Dates: Thursday, November 20th - Saturday, November 22nd
- Winner qualifies to ESL Pro League Season 23 Stage 1
North America
Cup #1
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $17,500
- Participants: 24 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Monday, August 11th - Friday, August 15th & Tuesday, August 26th - Sunday August 31st
- Location: Online (US servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot Distribution
- North America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- ESEA Advanced 52 NA (1st)
- ESEA Advanced 52 NA (2nd)
- ESEA Advanced 52 NA (3rd)
- ESEA Advanced 52 NA (4th)
- ESEA Advanced 53 NA (1st)
- ESEA Advanced 53 NA (2nd)
- ESEA Advanced 53 NA (3rd)
- ESEA Advanced 53 NA (4th)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of July 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: July 29th, 2025
Cup #2
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $17,500
- Participants: 24 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Monday, September 8th - Friday, September 12th & Wednesday, September 17th - Monday, September 22nd
- Location: Online (US servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot distribution
- North America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- ESEA Advanced 52 NA (1st)
- ESEA Advanced 52 NA (2nd)
- ESEA Advanced 52 NA (3rd)
- ESEA Advanced 53 NA (1st)
- ESEA Advanced 53 NA (2nd)
- ESEA Advanced 53 NA (3rd)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of August 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: August 26th, 2025
Cup #3
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $17,500
- Participants: 24 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Sunday, October 5th - Thursday, October 9th & Tuesday, October 14th - Sunday, October 19th
- Location: Online (US servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot distribution
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- ESEA Advanced 52 NA (1st)
- ESEA Advanced 52 NA (2nd)
- ESEA Advanced 53 NA (1st)
- ESEA Advanced 53 NA (2nd)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of September 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: September 22nd, 2025
Cup #4
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $17,500
- Participants: 24 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Saturday, October 25th - Wednesday, October 29th & Monday, November 10th - Saturday, November 15th
- Location: Online (US servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot distribution
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- North America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- ESEA Advanced 52 NA (1st)
- ESEA Advanced 53 NA (1st)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of October 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: October 13th, 2025
WINNINGS (per cup): $17,500
Place | Prize Money |
|---|---|
1. | $8,000 |
2. | $4,000 |
3. | $2,000 |
4. | $1,500 |
5-6. | $1,000 |
All other places | $0 |
North America Regional Finals
- Ranked Tier 2 Wildcard event
- Participants: 4 teams
- Format: Single elimination, semifinal matches best-of-three, grand final match best-of-five
- Dates: Thursday, November 20th - Saturday, November 22nd
- Winner qualifies to ESL Pro League Season 23 Stage 1
South America
Cup #1
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $17,500
- Participants: 24 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Monday, August 11th - Friday, August 15th & Tuesday, August 26th - Sunday August 31st
- Location: Online (South American servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot distribution
- South America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-16th)
- ESEA Open 52 SA (1st)
- ESEA Open 52 SA (2nd)
- ESEA Open 52 SA (3rd)
- ESEA Open 52 SA (4th)
- ESEA Open 53 SA (1st)
- ESEA Open 53 SA (2nd)
- ESEA Open 53 SA (3rd)
- ESEA Open 53 SA (4th)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of July 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: July 29th, 2025
Cup #2
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $17,500
- Participants: 24 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Monday, September 8th - Friday, September 12th & Wednesday, September 17th - Monday, September 22nd
- Location: Online (South American servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot distribution
- South America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-18th)
- ESEA Open 52 SA (1st)
- ESEA Open 52 SA (2nd)
- ESEA Open 52 SA (3rd)
- ESEA Open 53 SA (1st)
- ESEA Open 53 SA (2nd)
- ESEA Open 53 SA (3rd)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of August 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: August 26th, 2025
Cup #3
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $17,500
- Participants: 24 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Sunday, October 5th - Thursday, October 9th & Tuesday, October 14th - Sunday, October 19th
- Location: Online (South American servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot distribution
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-20th)
- ESEA Open 52 SA (1st)
- ESEA Open 52 SA (2nd)
- ESEA Open 53 SA (1st)
- ESEA Open 53 SA (2nd)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of September 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: September 22nd, 2025
Cup #4
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $17,500
- Participants: 24 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Saturday, October 25th - Wednesday, October 29th & Monday, November 10th - Saturday, November 15th
- Location: Online (South American servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot distribution
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- South America VRS Invite (1st-22nd)
- ESEA Open 52 SA (1st)
- ESEA Open 53 SA (1st)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of October 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: October 13th, 2025
WINNINGS (per cup): $17,500
Place | Prize Money |
|---|---|
1. | $8,000 |
2. | $4,000 |
3. | $2,000 |
4. | $1,500 |
5-6. | $1,000 |
All other places | $0 |
South America Regional Finals
- Ranked Tier 2 Wildcard event
- Participants: 4 teams
- Format: Single elimination, semifinal matches best-of-three, grand final match best-of-five
- Dates: Thursday, November 20th - Saturday, November 22nd
- Winner qualifies to ESL Pro League Season 23 Stage 1
Asia
Cup #1
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $10,000
- Participants: 16 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Monday, August 11th - Friday, August 15th & Tuesday, August 26th - Friday, August 29th
- Location: Online (CN, SEA, EA servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot distribution
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- ESEA Open 52 AS (1st)
- ESEA Open 52 AS (2nd)
- ESEA Open 52 AS (3rd)
- ESEA Open 52 AS (4th)
- ESEA Open 53 AS (1st)
- ESEA Open 53 AS (2nd)
- ESEA Open 53 AS (3rd)
- ESEA Open 53 AS (4th)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of July 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: July 29th, 2025
Cup #2
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $10,000
- Participants: 16 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Monday, September 8th - Friday, September 12th & Wednesday, September 17th - Saturday, September 20th
- Location: Online (CN, SEA, EA servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot distribution
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-10th)
- ESEA Open 52 AS (1st)
- ESEA Open 52 AS (2nd)
- ESEA Open 52 AS (3rd)
- ESEA Open 53 AS (1st)
- ESEA Open 53 AS (2nd)
- ESEA Open 53 AS (3rd)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of August 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: August 26th, 2025
Cup #3
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $10,000
- Participants: 16 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Sunday, October 5th - Thursday, October 9th & Tuesday, October 14th - Friday, October 17th
- Location: Online (CN, SEA, EA servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot distribution
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-12th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-12th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-12th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-12th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-12th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-12th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-12th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-12th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-12th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-12th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-12th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-12th)
- ESEA Open 52 AS (1st)
- ESEA Open 52 AS (2nd)
- ESEA Open 53 AS (1st)
- ESEA Open 53 AS (2nd)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of September 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: September 22nd, 2025
Cup #4
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $10,000
- Participants: 16 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Saturday, October 25th - Wednesday, October 29th & Monday, November 10th - Thursday, November 13th
- Location: Online (CN, SEA, EA servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot distribution
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-14th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-14th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-14th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-14th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-14th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-14th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-14th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-14th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-14th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-14th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-14th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-14th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-14th)
- Asia VRS Invite (1st-14th)
- ESEA Open 52 AS (1st)
- ESEA Open 53 AS (1st)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of October 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: October 13th, 2025
WINNINGS (per cup): $10,000
Place | Prize Money |
|---|---|
1. | $5,000 |
2. | $2,500 |
3. | $1,500 |
4. | $1,000 |
All other places | $0 |
Asia Regional Finals
- Ranked Tier 2 Wildcard event
- Participants: 4 teams
- Format: Single elimination, semifinal matches best-of-three, grand final match best-of-five
- Dates: Thursday, November 20th - Saturday, November 22nd
- Winner qualifies to ESL Pro League Season 23 Stage 1
Oceania
Cup #1
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $2,500
- Participants: 8 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Monday, August 11th - Wednesday, August 13th & Tuesday, August 26th - Friday, August 29th
- Location: Online (Australian servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot distribution
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-4th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-4th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-4th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-4th)
- ESEA Open 52 OCE (1st)
- ESEA Open 52 OCE (2nd)
- ESEA Open 53 OCE (1st)
- ESEA Open 53 OCE (2nd)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of July 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: July 29th, 2025
Cup #2
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $2,500
- Participants: 8 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Monday, September 8th - Wednesday, September 10th & Wednesday, September 17th - Saturday, September 20th
- Location: Online (Australian servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot distribution
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-6th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-6th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-6th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-6th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-6th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-6th)
- ESEA Open 52 OCE (1st)
- ESEA Open 53 OCE (1st)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of August 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: August 26th, 2025
Cup #3
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $2,500
- Participants: 8 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Sunday, October 5th - Tuesday, October 7th & Tuesday, October 14th - Friday, October 17th
- Location: Online (Australian servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot distribution
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-8th)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of September 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: September 22nd, 2025
Cup #4
- Ranked Tier 2 regional event
- Prize money: $2,500
- Participants: 8 teams
- Format: Double elimination, all matches best-of-three
- Dates: Saturday, October 25th - Monday, October 27th & Monday, November 10th - Thursday, November 13th
- Location: Online (Australian servers)
- Winner advances to the Regional Finals
Slot distribution
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-8th)
- Oceania VRS Invite (1st-8th)
VRS publication date: invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of October 2025.
Invite exceptions:
- based on the Valve regulations, if a team is ranked in the top 12 on the Global VRS ranking at the time of the invite, the team will not be eligible for an invite
- exceptions to invitations will apply if a player is banned by ESL, FACEIT or ESIC
Seeding date: October 13th, 2025
WINNINGS (per cup): $2,500
Place | Prize Money |
|---|---|
1. | $1,500 |
2. | $1,000 |
All other places | $0 |
Oceania Regional Finals
- Ranked Tier 2 Wildcard event
- Participants: 4 teams
- Format: Single elimination, semifinal matches best-of-three, grand final match best-of-five
- Dates: Thursday, November 20th - Saturday, November 22nd
- Winner qualifies to ESL Pro League Season 23 Stage 1
Outro
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