The ESL Pro League Season 24 Finals return Counter-Strike’s premier competition to the iconic Spodek Arena in Katowice, Poland, from October 9–11, 2026.
The ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) has announced that the ESL Pro League Season 24 Finals will be held at the legendary Spodek Arena in Katowice, Poland, from October 9 to 11, 2026.
Known as one of the most recognisable and beloved venues in esports, the arena will once again welcome thousands of Counter-Strike fans from around the world to witness the best Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) teams battle for glory.
ESL Pro League Season 24 Return to the Live Arena Experience
The upcoming finals mark the ESL Pro League’s return to a large-scale live arena setting for the first time in seven years. The last playoffs in such a venue were in Odense, Denmark, during ESL Pro League Season 10 in 2019. Previous locations for arena playoffs have also included Montpellier, Dallas, and São Paulo.
According to EFG, the move is part of their continued commitment to bring fans closer to the action:
“For over a decade, ESL Pro League has been a cornerstone of competitive Counter-Strike, and we’ve been eager to bring it back in front of a big live audience, as esports is at its best when experienced live,” said Marc Winther, Director of Game Ecosystems – Counter-Strike, at ESL FACEIT Group.
Winther highlighted Katowice’s rich history in esports, saying, “Katowice has been the birthplace of dozens of champions, and Spodek Arena has witnessed countless iconic moments over the years. With its storied history and inimitable atmosphere, there’s no better place for our fans to enjoy the thrill of ESL Pro League.”
The city of Katowice has long been a symbol of global esports, largely due to its association with major tournaments like Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Katowice. With IEM moving to Kraków in 2026, bringing the Pro League finals back to Spodek reinforces the arena’s legendary status within the Counter-Strike community.
ESL Pro League Season 24 Schedule and Prize Pool
The ESL Pro League Season 24 will run from September 24 to October 11, 2026, featuring elite teams competing for a $1,000,000 prize pool and the prestigious Pro League trophy.
The group stages and early playoffs will lead up to the climactic final days in Katowice, where the top teams will face off in front of a roaring live audience at Spodek.
Part of a Bigger 2026 ESL Roadmap
The return of the Pro League finals to Katowice is part of a broader strategy for EFG’s Counter-Strike expansion in 2026. In addition to this move:
- IEM Kraków 2026 will replace Katowice as the flagship IEM winter event.
- IEM tournaments will also be hosted in Brazil, the United States, and China.
- The first CS2 Major of the 2026 season will take place at IEM Cologne in the Lanxess Arena — the first Major there since 2016.
These changes reaffirm ESL FACEIT Group’s mission to offer top-tier CS2 competition in diverse global markets while also honouring historic venues like Spodek Arena.
Overall, for fans, the ESL Pro League Season 24 Finals in Katowice present not just another tournament, but a chance to witness Counter-Strike history on one of the game’s most iconic stages. With a $1 million prize pool, the world’s best CS2 teams, and the return of a live audience atmosphere, October 2026 promises to deliver unforgettable moments in competitive gaming.