The ESL Pro Tour 2025 roadmap has just been revealed, and it looks exciting for fans of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2).
After an exciting end to the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Rio 2024, where NaVi claimed the championship trophy, the stage is now set for a packed year ahead for CS2. The ESL Pro Tour 2025 will start in Katowice and end up in Chengdu, with a total of seven tournaments, including five Masters events and two Championships.
Here is all that you need to know about ESL Pro Tour 2025.
ESL Pro Tour 2025 Roadmap
- IEM Katowice 2025: January 29th – February 9th
- ESL Pro League Season 21: February 25th – March 16th
- IEM Spring 2025: April 21st – 27th
- IEM Dallas 2025: May 19th – 25th
- IEM Cologne 2025: July 23rd – August 3rd
- ESL Pro League Season 22: September 23rd – October 12th
- IEM Chengdu 2025: November 3rd – 9th
The first tournament, IEM Katowice 2025, will take place from January 29th to February 9th. This event is always a highlight for CS2 fans, as it is known for its electric atmosphere and top-tier competition.
Following that, the ESL Pro League Season 21 will run from February 25th to March 16th, though the location for this season is still to be announced. Next up is IEM Spring 2025, which will take place from April 21st to 27th.
This is the #ESLProTour for 2025! Save the dates First stop: #IEM KatowicePL pic.twitter.com/MovoB9tlpB
— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) October 19, 2024
After that, IEM Dallas 2025 will be held from May 19th to 25th. This tournament is a bit different because it will use a mix of Valve Rankings and online qualifiers to invite teams, with 50% of spots going to each.
The tour then continues with IEM Cologne from July 23rd to August 3rd, which is another Championship event and a fan favorite. The second half of the year includes ESL Pro League Season 22, scheduled from September 23rd to October 12th, and wraps up with IEM Chengdu from November 3rd to 9th.
The Pro Tour is not just about the competition; it also aims to enhance the overall experience for players and fans alike.
New Features and Changes in ESL Pro Tour 2025
One of the biggest changes for the 2025 season is the removal of the franchise system and team invites based on Valve Rankings. This means teams now have more freedom to choose which events they want to attend. This open circuit approach will allow for more tournaments and options for teams, giving them a chance to compete without being tied to specific organizers.
Additionally, the format of the tournaments will see some significant changes. For the first time, all Grand Finals will be best-of-five matches instead of best-of-three. This makes for more competitive games, as teams will need to prove their skill across multiple maps to win. The organizers have also decided to eliminate best-of-one matches entirely, which is a relief for many players who feel these shorter matches don’t truly showcase their abilities.
The #ESLProTour returns in 2025!$22M+ financial contribution for '25 & '26All BO5 finalsNo more BO1 openers2 EPT Championships5 EPT Masters events#IEM Katowice & Cologne tickets on sale next weekRead our blog below for dates & details on all the changes pic.twitter.com/jqJEPTYqp2
— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) October 18, 2024
ESL has promised a financial contribution of over $22 million for the next two years to support these events. This funding is crucial for ensuring the tournaments are successful and attract top talent. Although the exact prize pool distribution is yet to be revealed, the financial backing will help elevate the quality of the events.
Overall, the ESL Pro Tour 2025 is shaping up to be a significant year for CS2 esports. With a stacked schedule and exciting changes in tournament formats, fans can look forward to some intense competition. The Pro Tour not only highlights the best in the gaming world but also sets the stage for growth and innovation in the esports industry.