Esports tournament organizer ESL FACEIT Group has announced a significant financial commitment of at least $22 million (~£16.8 million) to support its Counter-Strike ecosystem during 2025 and 2026. This investment will be directed towards teams participating in the ESL Pro Tour circuit, which has been revamped to align with Valve’s new tournament operation guidelines for 2025.
As part of this initiative, ESL FACEIT Group will allocate a minimum of $11 million (~£8.4 million) specifically for teams and players, complementing existing expenses related to flights, accommodation, and practice setups for global events. This effort reflects the organization's dedication to enhancing the competitive landscape of Counter-Strike and supporting the participants within it.
The tournament organizer has also revealed the details of the updated 2025 ESL Pro Tour circuit. Prominent events such as IEM Katowice and IEM Cologne have been designated as ‘Championship’ events, while the ESL Pro League seasons 21 and 22, alongside IEM Dallas, IEM Chengdu, and IEM Spring, will fall under the ‘Masters’ category. These classifications are designed to create a more structured and rewarding competitive environment.
Additionally, the funds will contribute to the prize pool for the Intel Grand Slam, which offers a $1 million (~£766,895) reward to the team that secures victories in three ESL Pro Tour Masters events and one Championship tournament.
With the recent launch of the ESL Saudi Challenge and a partnership extension with logistics company DHL, ESL FACEIT Group continues to solidify its status as a leading esports organizer. Marc Winther, Director of Game Ecosystems – Counter-Strike at ESL FACEIT Group, emphasized that this initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to fostering a rich competitive environment and honoring Counter-Strike’s legacy.
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