ESL FACEIT Group has unveiled that Season 22 of the ESL Pro League will take place in Stockholm, Sweden, from September 27th to October 12th, 2025. Returning to the same venue as Season 21, this marks a significant shift for the Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) competition, as it moves away from its traditional location in Malta.
With a $1 million (~£819,500) prize pool and updated qualification methods, Season 22 promises a fresh yet competitive experience for teams and fans alike.
Key Changes in ESL Pro League for 2025
Image via ESL.
The transition to Stockholm is not the only change for the Pro League. The tournament has seen several adjustments for 2025 due to Valve’s updated tournament operation guidelines:
- End of Permanent Partner Teams:
- Teams will no longer participate through permanent partnerships. Instead, they will qualify based on their Valve Global Rankings or through the ESL Challenger League, the organiser’s tier-two competitive system.
- Qualification Breakdown:
- In Season 21, 12 teams qualified via Valve rankings and another 12 through the Challenger League. This system is expected to continue for Season 22.
- Wildcards and Exemptions:
- For Season 21, ESL received an exemption from Valve to directly invite some teams based on their previous Pro League performances.
- For Season 22, ESL will also be allowed to invite wildcard teams for its closed qualifiers, creating new opportunities for roster diversity.
Goodbye Malta, Hello Stockholm
For years, Malta has been the Pro League’s home, supported by ESL’s long-term partnership with GamingMalta and the Government of Malta’s non-profit foundation. This collaboration ensured the event remained in Malta through 2024.
However, with the expiration of this partnership and Valve’s revised guidelines, ESL has opted to bring its premier event back to Stockholm, a city with a rich history in esports and Counter-Strike events.
Image via ESL.
ESL’s Broader 2025 Plans
The announcement of ESL Pro League Season 22’s location follows a series of major updates from ESL FACEIT Group. Among them:
- IEM Melbourne in April: Expanding the global presence of the IEM series.
- Enhanced Competitive Structure: Aligning events with Valve’s new tournament guidelines to maintain a high standard of fairness and competitiveness.
Image via ESL.
Conclusion
With its move to Stockholm, Sweden, ESL Pro League Season 22 signifies a new chapter for Counter-Strike 2’s competitive scene. Featuring a $1 million prize pool and a revised qualification system, the tournament will not only showcase elite gameplay but also adapt to a rapidly evolving esports landscape.
Stay tuned for updates as the competition draws closer, and mark your calendars for September 27th to October 12th, 2025!
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