Wikipedia - ESL Pro League

The ESL Pro League (formerly ESL ESEA Pro League; shortened as EPL) is a Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) professional esports league, produced by ESL. It was previously based on four regions: Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania but following a format revamp in season 13, regional leagues were discontinued and unified into one league. ESL Pro League currently comprises 24 teams each season. The ESL Pro League is considered to be the premier professional CS2 league in the world and is one of the major professional leagues in esports. The ESL Pro League began as a venture between the Electronic Sports League (ESL) and E-Sports Entertainment Association League (ESEA). Its inaugural season started on May 4, 2015.

History

In early November 2014, the German-based Electronic Sports League announced the creation of the ESL Pro League as the European ESL league. On April 28, 2015, ESL announced a joint venture with the North American-based E-Sports Entertainment Association League to provide a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive league with US$500,000 in total prize money in the first season between two continents. It later expanded to fourteen teams per region and raised its prize pool to US$1,000,000, with two seasons running each year. The prize pool increased once more in 2018, with ESL making the teams fight for $1,000,000 in the Finals, raising the season prize pool by $250,000. In addition, the number of teams in the finals rose to sixteen, with more teams from regions other than North American and Europe participating in the Finals.

On February 18, 2020, ESL would announce the Louvre Agreement, a revenue sharing partnership between ESL and the teams. Teams that signed on also qualified automatically for ESL Pro League as Permanent Partner Teams. The Louvre Agreement would expire at the end of 2024, as Valve, the game's developer, ended any form of partnership agreements within professional Counter-Strike in 2025.

In 2020, due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, seasons 11 and 12 did not have a global final, instead regional finals were held in Europe and North America. In 2021, starting from ESL Pro League Season 13, the organization announced a changed format, with one league replacing the four regional leagues that existed prior to the pandemic. All 24 teams would travel to Europe to participate in the league, with the top 12 teams of the 24-team regular season proceeding to the playoffs. With the consolidation of the tournament into one event, the prize pool was reduced to $750,000. During ESL Pro League seasons 17 and 18, the prize pool was increased to $850,000 as a result of increasing the number of teams from 24 to 32. This was reduced back to $750,000 for seasons 19 and 20, before increasing to $1,000,000 for Seasons 21 and 22, which contracted the league back to 24 teams.

**Tournament Name:** CS2 - ESL Pro League

**Description:**

Welcome to the CS2 - ESL Pro League, the premier competitive gaming event that brings together the best teams from around the globe to battle it out in the highly anticipated sequel to the legendary Counter-Strike series. This tournament showcases the pinnacle of tactical gameplay, teamwork, and individual skill in the fast-paced world of Counter-Strike 2.

**Event Highlights:**

- **Top-Tier Competition:** Watch as elite teams from various regions compete for glory, featuring both established powerhouses and rising stars in the esports scene. The tournament promises intense matches filled with strategic depth and nail-biting moments.

- **Global Reach:** With teams hailing from North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond, the ESL Pro League fosters a truly international atmosphere, uniting fans and players alike in their passion for competitive gaming.

- **Expert Commentary and Analysis:** Enjoy in-depth commentary from seasoned esports analysts and casters who will guide you through every thrilling moment, providing insights into strategies, player performances, and match dynamics.

- **Fan Engagement:** Join the vibrant community of CS2 fans through interactive features, live chats, and social media engagement. Participate in polls, giveaways, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content to enhance your tournament experience.

- **Spectacular Production:** Experience high-quality production values with stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and seamless streaming across multiple platforms, ensuring that you don’t miss a single moment of the action.

- **Prize Pool:** Competing teams will vie for a substantial prize pool, adding an extra layer of excitement and motivation as they aim to claim their share of the winnings and the prestigious title of ESL Pro League champions.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the franchise or new to the world of esports, the CS2 - ESL Pro League promises to deliver unforgettable moments, fierce rivalries, and the thrill of competition. Don’t miss out on the action—tune in and witness history in the making!