The excitement is palpable as ESL prepares to bring the ESL Pro League Season 23 finals back to the thrill of a live audience. This return marks a significant moment for the Counter-Strike community, promising an electrifying atmosphere for both players and fans.
Live Action in Stockholm
Scheduled to unfold from March 13th to 15th, 2026, at Stockholm’s Annexet, this event will showcase the world’s elite Counter-Strike 2 teams. Fans are set to experience the adrenaline of live esports as eight teams battle for their share of a $1 million prize pool in a venue capable of hosting 3,950 spectators. The ESL Pro League is a pivotal part of the ESL Grand Slam, offering an additional $1 million prize to the winning teams on the ESL Pro Tour.
The tournament structure promises intense competition: quarter-finals and semi-finals will be decided through a best-of-three series, while the Grand Final will elevate the stakes with a best-of-five series showdown to crown the champion.
A Historic Return
“We’re excited to bring ESL Pro League back to this setting, as Counter-Strike is best played in front of a live audience when the stakes are at their highest, and the trophy needs to be hoisted,” noted Marc Winther, Director of Esports – Counter-Strike at ESL FACEIT Group. This event marks the first live audience for the Counter-Strike league since 2019, having been hosted in a studio setting in Stockholm for the past six years.
ESL In 2025
ESL remains a leading force in esports tournament organization, continually evolving to enhance the competitive landscape. Recently, it outlined plans for the 2026 Pro Tour qualifiers and introduced measures to uphold match integrity. While moving forward, ESL has also undertaken strategic realignments, including layoffs, to sustain growth. Furthermore, the organiser announced the indefinite suspension of ESL Impact, the premier women’s Counter-Strike 2 circuit, as part of its ongoing strategy adjustments.