Season 22 of the ESL Pro League: Schedule, Teams, and Favorites for the Counter-Strike 2 Tournament!

The ESL Pro League is back for its 22nd season, one of the most traditional Counter-Strike 2 tournaments, carrying prestige, history, and the status of being one of the toughest competitions in the eSports scene.

Between September 28 and October 12, the ESL Studio will turn Stockholm into the epicenter of CS2, gathering established giants and rising talents in search of recognition. A total of 24 teams will compete for a bigger share of the $1 million prize pool, in two weeks of a true marathon of the iconic FPS.

To help you know what to expect from ESL Pro League 2025, we’ve prepared a complete guide with the full overview of the tournament: rules, format, participating teams, schedule, prize pool, and where to watch. Ready to follow every decisive play and historic comeback? Then press Start and keep reading!

Why is the ESL Pro League important?

Few tournaments manage to transcend generations of Counter-Strike and remain relevant in eSports, and the ESL Pro League is one of them. Since its first edition in 2015, the competition has become a benchmark for high-level gameplay and the stage for stories that have shaped the CS2 competitive scene.

Now, the ESL Pro League reaches its 22nd season while maintaining the status analysts praise: the most complete event in the calendar — due to the number of teams, duration, and difficulty of the matches.

This prestige is also reflected for the fans, who get unpredictable clashes, new rivalries, and moments that can instantly become classics. Just remember Danil “donk” Kryshkovets’s performance in ESL Pro League 20, breaking the record with 38 kills in a single map, or the longest match in the tournament’s history, also in Season 20, when M80 defeated Fnatic on Anubis in a 71-round thriller.

For teams, every round weighs heavily on the future. Performance in the ESL Pro League influences seedings, invitations, and ranking points, opening doors or closing paths to Majors and other top-tier championships. Beyond status, a strong run can change a team’s trajectory in the international scene.

And finally, there is the symbolic side. Lifting the Pro League trophy is not just about winning another tournament, it’s about joining a select group of teams that have left their mark on Counter-Strike. It’s the kind of title that changes careers, solidifies legacies, and defines generations of players — an achievement remembered forever.

Main changes in ESL Pro League Season 22

As the peak of CS2’s competitive scene, the tournament always brings new features. In ESL Pro League Season 22, the biggest change is the introduction of a third-place decider match — something unprecedented in the competition’s recent history!

Now, the teams eliminated in the Semifinals will play a direct clash to determine who secures 3rd place. This detail will impact positioning in the Valve Regional Standings (VRS), which is CS2’s global ranking that determines direct invites and seedings for elite tournaments.

What is the format of ESL Pro League Season 22?

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it? ESL Pro League Season 22 keeps the proven format of recent editions, with three phases: Stage 1, Stage 2, and Playoffs. Every match is played as Best of Three (Bo3), meaning up to three games are needed to decide the winner. This requires mastery of the six-map pool: Ancient, Dust II, Inferno, Mirage, Nuke, Overpass, and Train — along with sharp strategic preparation.

Another key point is the use of the Swiss System to define matches in Stages 1 and 2, which pairs teams with similar records — winners against winners and losers against losers. Three victories mean qualification, while three defeats eliminate a team.

In Stage 1, 16 teams face off, with the top eight advancing to Stage 2 — where eight higher-ranked teams will begin their campaign. And yes, both stages follow the same rules!

The Playoffs, however, switch to a Single-Elimination format — lose once and you’re out. The Quarterfinals and Semifinals are decided in Bo3s, while the Grand Final turns into a Best of Five (Bo5) — making the showdown a true test of endurance, tactical depth, and raw emotion.

Which Teams Will Compete in ESL Pro League Season 22?

The ESL Pro League will feature a total of 24 teams in its 22nd season, bringing together squads from different competitive levels and regions — including Europe, North and South America, and Asia.

Each team consists of six players of various nationalities, one of them serving as captain. Below, we explain what you can expect from each team and, of course, which stage they will begin in:

Stage 1 Teams

Held between September 28 and October 2, Stage 1 features seven teams invited through the VRS, five from the ECL, and four qualifiers from the regional closed qualifiers of each league.

FURIA

After eight years away from the top, FURIA returned to winning a top-tier tournament, the Fissure Playground 2, and arrives at ESL Pro League Season 22 ranked 2nd in the VRS. That title put the Brazilian team back on the radar of favorites and reignited fan confidence.

The lineup features FalleN as leader, molodoy on the AWP, and KSCERATO, YEKINDAR, and yuurih completing the quintet. This mix of experience and aggression promises a dynamic style, with a solid map pool and the ability to dictate pace in Best-of-Three series.

G2

Current champions of BLAST Open London 2025, G2 start their campaign in Stage 1 as the 7th seed in the VRS. The recent title boosted their morale and proved they can face any opponent under pressure.

Led by huNter-, the roster also includes malbsMd, SunPayus, HeavyGod, and MATYS — top-caliber players who have been shining through collective play and tactical discipline.

3DMAX

In 11th place in the VRS, 3DMAX earned a direct spot into Stage 1 and arrives as one of France’s most promising representatives. The team shows potential, discipline, and a solid competitive style, though still searching for truly significant results against the world’s best.

Formed by bodyy, Lucky, Nivera, Ex3rcice, and Graviti, the roster banks on synergy and precise execution to turn potential into a consistent ESL Pro League Season 22 campaign.

Astralis

Occupying 10th in the VRS, Astralis also secured a direct Stage 1 slot and aims to reclaim its place among CS2 powerhouses. Magisk’s arrival brought stability and consistency, but the team is still far from the dominance of its golden era.

With device, Magisk, HooXi, jabbi, and Staehr, the Danish quintet blends experience, game reading, and traditional tactics in hopes of climbing back to the top. Stage 1 is viewed as a key step in this rebuild.

GamerLegion

Ranked 16th in the VRS, GamerLegion arrives with important changes: Kursy out, hypex in, joining REZ, ztr, Tauson, and PR. Known as “giant slayers,” the team will need exactly that reputation to fight for one of eight Stage 2 spots.

This new formation leans on explosive rounds and adaptive strategies to upset experienced opponents. Young and talented, the players are still building synergy, but carry the potential to go far if their game clicks.

Virtus.pro

In 19th place in the VRS, Virtus.pro is going through a rebuilding phase. For the first time in his career, Perfecto takes on the IGL role, surrounded by FL1T, fame, ICY, and tO0RO, in an attempt to reshape the team’s identity and find consistency.

They rely on their history of big campaigns to reorganize. If communication and game reading align, VP could be one of Stage 1’s surprises.

HEROIC

HEROIC underwent changes after tN1R’s move to Spirit and xfl0ud’s arrival, standing 21st in the VRS. The transition made the team inconsistent but opened up new tactical possibilities.

With LNZ, nilo, yxngstxr, and Alkaren alongside xfl0ud, the team values map control and sharp aim. This mix may prove decisive in a format where every win or loss weighs heavily.

Legacy

After shining in the South America Closed Qualifier, Legacy enters Stage 1 looking to replicate recent feats against major organizations. Their history at BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 showed they can upset favorites in elimination matches.

With dumau, latto, n1ssim, lux, and saadzin, the squad plays aggressively and relies on rifler firepower to impose itself. Stage 1 will be a measuring stick for whether Legacy is ready for a bigger international leap.

M80

Qualifying through the North America Closed Qualifier, M80 surprised by reaching the playoffs at BLAST Open London 2025 and defeating Natus Vincere and fnatic. That run proved they can compete with the best.

The lineup — slaxz-, Swisher, HexT, s1n, and Lake — blends tactical variety and aggressive pace. The mix of European and American styles is seen as an advantage to replicate their Pro League success.

Lynn Vision

Representing ECL S49 Asia-Pacific, Lynn Vision aims to spotlight Asian CS. Known as a “dangerous underdog,” they play with an aggressive style few opponents are prepared for.

With Westmelon, z4kr, Starry, EmiliaQAQ, and C4LLM3SU3, they use quick executions and creativity to unsettle favorites. Stage 1 is their chance to solidify their name on the big stage.

B8

B8 earned their spot by winning ECL S49 Europe and have been rising in the European scene. Their underdog story gives them confidence against elite rosters.

Headtr1ck, alex666, npl, kensizor, and esenthial form a mix of young talent and experience. They rely on aggressive rounds to surprise, and Stage 1 will test their progress.

NRG

Coming from ECL S49 North America, NRG fields a blend of veterans and young talent, aiming to regain international relevance. After ups and downs, Stage 1 is their chance to build rhythm against strong opposition.

Nitr0, Sonic, XotiC, br0, and Jeorge are guided by daps’s tactical leadership and sharp communication.

TNL

TNL defeated traditional names like Liquid and OG in the Europe Closed Qualifier, proving they have strength to surprise. That result boosted the Ukrainian squad’s confidence and caught attention.

Nifee, Flierax, onic, Dawy, and cairne represent a new generation seeking space in CS2. Stage 1 will be crucial to measure their level against top teams.

HOTU

From the Asia Closed Qualifier, HOTU enters as an unknown for Western audiences. That lack of info could be an advantage in Stage 1’s short, intense format.

The lineup — n0rb3r7, dukefissura, mizu, lampada, frontales, and mou — banks on aggression to destabilize established rivals.

Fluxo

Another Brazilian representative in Stage 1, Fluxo earned their slot through ECL S49 South America, building a reputation with bold regional play. This international chance is key for their growth.

With arT, Lucaozy, zevy, decenty, and kye, the lineup plays with quick rounds and creative strategies. Their goal is to prove they can compete with top-tier teams.

Rooster

Rooster arrives from ECL S49 Oceania as one of the region’s rare representatives in CS2’s elite. That alone makes their campaign noteworthy.

Chelleos, asap, TjP, sliimey, and Terryyy rely on unorthodox tactics compared to EU/NA standards to surprise more studied opponents.

Stage 2 Teams

Stage 1 qualifiers will join CS2 heavyweights in Stage 2, with eight teams seeded based on Valve’s July 2025 world ranking (VRS leaders):

Vitality

In early 2025, Vitality enjoyed a golden run: breaking win records and lifting major trophies like BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, ESL Pro League Season 21, and IEM Dallas 2025. Now, they enter Season 22 chasing their fifth tournament of the second half of the year, after four straight without a title.

With apEX, ropz, ZywOo, flameZ, and mezii, the squad mixes experience and explosiveness. Their mission: turn individual talent into flawless execution and reclaim the top. As the main favorite, every opponent wants to be the one to topple them.

The MongolZ

Winners of the EWC 2025, The MongolZ enter Stage 2 as VRS leaders and one of the scariest rosters today. With three recent grand finals, they’ve cemented themselves as Asia’s flagship CS team.

bLitz, Techno, Senzu, mzinho, and 910 bring calculated aggression, tactical discipline, and high tempo. This unpredictable mix makes them a force capable of crushing favorites or pulling off dramatic comebacks.

Spirit

Winners of BLAST Bounty 2025 Season 2 in August and ranked 4th in the VRS, Spirit arrive looking to bounce back after early exits. With tN1R replacing zont1x, the roster now has chopper, sh1ro, donk, and zweih.

Blending explosive youth with sharp aim, Spirit can destabilize rivals through high pace. If team play clicks, they’re strong contenders for the title.

MOUZ

Perennial “almost there” candidates, MOUZ sit 6th in the VRS. After repeated semifinal and final stumbles, they’re seen as title favorites in this edition.

With Brollan, torzsi, Spinx, Jimpphat, and xertioN, they field one of the most feared lineups. Their mission: break the curse and finally lift a major trophy.

Team Falcons

Backed by heavy investment, Falcons are 5th in the VRS and still seeking the final piece to turn hype into trophies. Internally, this Pro League is their chance to prove it.

NiKo, TeSeS, m0NESY, kyxsan, and kyousuke form a star-studded roster combining elite aim and refined tactics. Expectations are sky-high to finally enter the champions’ circle.

Aurora

Ranked 8th in the VRS, Aurora is known for inconsistency: sometimes beating giants, other times stumbling against weaker opponents. That volatility makes their matches unpredictable.

With MAJ3R, XANTARES, woxic, Wicadia, and jottAAA, they bring firepower and explosiveness in decisive rounds. If consistent, they could be Stage 2’s big surprise.

Natus Vincere (NaVi)

Fresh from winning StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025, NaVi enter Stage 2 ranked 9th in the VRS. The title restored confidence, but doubts remain about facing elite opposition.

Aleksib, iM, b1t, w0nderful, and makazze focus on chemistry and discipline to show they’re back at the top level. Stage 2 is their perfect chance to reaffirm NaVi’s historic legacy.

FaZe

In 12th place in the VRS, FaZe debut Twistzz’s return — a long-awaited addition bringing new energy. Recent results have underwhelmed, but their experience remains a key strength.

With karrigan, rain, frozen, and broky completing the roster, FaZe rely on elite aim and strong tactics. The challenge: rediscover their championship form.

Who Are the Favorites for ESL Pro League Season 22?

The ESL Pro League Season 22 lineup is stacked with top-tier teams, and fans can get excited by following the matches and making their picks. To see who the favorites are, you can check out the Odds already available on Blaze’s Counter-Strike 2 page. Keep in mind that odds shift as matches play out and teams gather bets, and they’re not guarantees or promises of results.

Team Vitality start as favorites with 3.0 odds to lift the trophy, followed closely by Team Spirit and The MongolZ at 4.0 and 4.50, respectively. Just behind them are MOUZ and Team Falcons, both at 7.50, while G2 and FURIA round out the top block at 8.0 and 12.0.

Aurora and Natus Vincere appear as dangerous outsiders, with FaZe closing out the Top 10 favorites at 15.0, 16.0, and 18.0, respectively. Below them, traditional names seeking revival battle emerging orgs: Astralis leads the middle pack at 30.0, followed by 3DMAX at 35.0 and M80 at 40.0.

Next, some organizations with rich CS history but far from their best form, along with rebuilt rosters: Heroic at 50.0, Virtus.pro and GamerLegion both at 60.0 — tied with Legacy, which seeks consolidation in CS2’s elite.

Behind them comes the underdog pack, with five teams at 75.0: TNL, NRG, B8, Fluxo, and Lynn Vision. Finally, two teams start written off and would shock the scene if they win it all: HOTU and Rooster, both at 100.0.

What is the prize pool for ESL Pro League Season 22?

The ESL Pro League 2025 will distribute a total of $1 million in prizes, divided into $400,000 for players and $600,000 for organizations — known as the Club Reward, an extra bonus given to each team to provide greater financial stability and strengthen the CS2 competitive scene.

Here’s the prize breakdown:

• 1st place: $100,000 for players and $150,000 Club Reward
• 2nd place: $50,000 for players and $75,000 Club Reward
• 3rd place: $28,000 for players and $60,000 Club Reward
• 4th place: $22,000 for players and $50,000 Club Reward
• 5th and 8th places: $18,000 for players and $40,000 Club Reward
• 9th to 11th places: $13,500 for players and $25,000 Club Reward
• 12th to 14th places: $10,500 for players and $10,000 Club Reward
• 15th to 16th places: $8,500 for players and no Club Reward
• 17th to 19th places: $6,500 for players and no Club Reward
• 20th to 22nd places: $4,500 for players and no Club Reward
• 23rd to 24th places: $3,000 for players and no Club Reward

ESL Pro League Season 22 Schedule

There will be 15 days of top-tier Counter-Strike 2 to decide who will lift the trophy. Keep an eye on Blaze’s ESL Pro League Season 22 page, which will be updated in real time as matches are defined. Here are the tournament dates:

• Stage 1: September 28 to October 1
• Stage 2: October 4 to October 8
• Playoffs: October 10 to October 12

Where to watch ESL Pro League Season 22?

Want to follow every smoke and clutch up close? The 22nd season of ESL Pro League will be streamed live on Twitch and YouTube, with professional casting and expert commentary, covering everything from Stage 1 to the Best-of-Five Grand Final.

In addition to official broadcasts, several streamers and influencers from the scene will host their own streams, offering alternative analysis, a relaxed vibe, and direct interaction with the community. This way, you can choose the traditional format or opt for more casual and entertaining coverage.

Bet on ESL Pro League Season 22 at Blaze!

With adrenaline from start to finish, ESL Pro League 2025 is the perfect stage to enjoy the thrill of Counter-Strike 2, have fun, and even place your predictions in the tournament betting markets. After all, eSports are authorized by MESP Ordinance 125/2024 to be offered on betting platforms — for those who play responsibly, of course.

Betting is entertainment, not an investment or source of income. Set a budget that fits your reality and never use money that may compromise your daily life. Discipline and Responsible Gambling are key to keeping the experience fun and safe.

Studying stats, rosters, and team histories helps you make more informed decisions and avoids impulsive betting. To go deeper, check out our eSports Betting Guide, packed with more tips for enjoying yourself responsibly, safely, and consciously.

Ready to catch that last-second defuse? Bet on ESL Pro League Season 22 at Blaze — always responsibly!