ESL FACEIT Group has officially announced that the 2026 ESL Pro League Season 24 (EPL S24) Grand Final will take place from October 9 to 11 at the renowned Spodek Arena in Katowice, Poland.
This marks the first time since 2019 that the EPL Grand Final will return to a large-scale in-person venue. The last time the EPL Finals were held at an offline arena was in Odense, Denmark.
Historical Significance and Strategic Importance
The Spodek Arena has long been regarded as one of the key venues for top-tier CS series events. It has hosted multiple editions of IEM Katowice (including the Counter-Strike Championship) and other premier esports events, making it a “sacred site” for Counter-Strike players and fans.
Although the 2026 IEM Katowice will move to Kraków, ESL has chosen to continue its partnership with the city of Katowice, bringing EPL S24 back to Spodek to uphold the city’s deep-rooted connection with esports.
Prize Pool and Schedule
The total prize pool for the EPL S24 Grand Final is $1 million, offering sufficient incentives to attract the world’s top CS2 teams to compete.
The entire season is expected to begin in late September 2026, with the Grand Final taking place from October 9–11 at the Spodek Arena in Katowice .
Team and Format Preview
While the full roster of participants for EPL S24 has not yet been announced, based on the historical rules of the ESL Pro League, teams will qualify through multiple channels, including:
Direct Invites — Top-ranked CS2 powerhouses from around the world will receive direct qualification for the group stage, such as Team Vitality, FaZe Clan, Natus Vincere, Team Spirit, and other teams that have consistently competed at the highest level.
Regional Qualifiers — Top teams from Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Oceania will compete for remaining spots through regional leagues and open qualifiers, ensuring the tournament’s global reach and diversity.
Partner Team Slots — Some teams secure fixed spots through long-term partnership agreements, ensuring tournament stability and commercial value.
EPL S24 will continue its “two-stage” format:
Group Stage: A double-elimination format across four groups, with the top four teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage.
Knockout Stage: The top two teams advance directly to the semifinals, while the remaining six teams enter the quarterfinals. All matches are BO3, with the final being a BO5.
This design not only increases opportunities for top teams to face off but also provides underdogs with more opportunities to showcase their strength.
Considering the competitive landscape of CS2 in 2026, tactical diversity and changes to the weapon economy system will be key variables. Recent adjustments to the M4A1-S and AK-47 in the latest versions may influence teams’ weapon selection and defensive strategies. Additionally, as maps like Vertigo, Anubis, and Mirage gain popularity in professional competitions, teams’ preparation for the map pool will directly determine their ceiling in the finals.
In recent years, “non-traditional powerhouses” like MOUZ and ENCE have also made surprising runs in the EPL, even winning championships, which has further enhanced the suspense and entertainment value of this year’s event. If the schedule and audience atmosphere are as intense as expected, EPL S24 could very well become a turning point in the 2026 CS2 calendar.
Highlights from City and Host Statements
Marc Winther (ESL FACEIT Group CS Game Ecosystem Director) stated: “Over the past decade, the ESL Pro League has been the cornerstone of competitive CS. We have always looked forward to returning to offline events, as esports tournaments are most captivating in a live atmosphere.”
Marcin Krupa, Mayor of Katowice, noted that this decision reflects ESL’s trust and recognition of the city, further solidifying Katowice’s significant role in Counter-Strike history: “The history of Counter-Strike will be rewritten here, with top players and global fans gathering in our city.”
Data Overview Table
| Item | Details |
| Dates | October 9–11, 2026 |
| Venue | Spodek Arena, Katowice, Poland |
| Season Timeline | Late September – mid-October 2026 |
| Prize Pool | $1,000,000 USD |
| Last Arena Finals | 2019, Odense, Denmark |
| IEM Katowice 2026 | Relocated to Kraków |
Conclusion
EPL S24’s return to the Spodek Arena is not only a return to the venue but also a tribute to Katowice’s esports tradition and atmosphere. This historic venue once again becomes the global focal point of esports. The arrangement to coexist with the relocation of IEM Katowice to Kraków also reflects ESL’s overall strategy and long-term planning for Poland’s esports ecosystem. With a $1 million prize pool and the enthusiastic interaction of on-site fans, this event is sure to bring another high point for CS2. For both the esports industry and fans, this is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated CS2 events of 2026.