Lineup for ESL Pro League Season 20 Finalized

The lineup for the upcoming ESL Pro League Season 20 in Counter-Strike 2 has been determined. After an update to the ESL rankings, the final spots in the tournament were secured by a mix of familiar faces and rising contenders. Spirit, Virtus.pro, The Mongolz, 9z, and Eternal Fire have all earned their place in the prestigious competition. The 32 qualified teams will be divided into four groups of eight by the organizers. This format promises an intense group stage, where the top four teams from each group will advance to the playoffs. The group winners will receive the added advantage of moving directly to the quarterfinals, setting the stage for a thrilling late-stage showdown.

ESL Pro League Season 20 is scheduled to take place in Malta from September 3rd to 22nd. This picturesque Mediterranean island nation will serve as the backdrop for what is sure to be a highly competitive and captivating event. The teams will compete for a substantial prize pool of $750,000, as well as valuable circuit points that could prove crucial in their quest for qualification to future premier tournaments. Notably, the champion of ESL Pro League Season 20 will earn a direct invitation to IEM Katowice 2025, one of the most prestigious and historic Counter-Strike events. This added incentive is sure to inspire the competitors to perform at the highest level, as they vie for the opportunity to cement their legacy on the international stage. The upcoming ESL Pro League Season 20 promises to be a thrilling showcase of the best that Counter-Strike 2 has to offer. Fans can look forward to an intense and closely contested event, as the world’s top teams battle it out for the coveted title and the chance to solidify their place among the game’s elite.

Who received the latest invites?

In an highly anticipated move, ESL has revealed the lineup of teams invited to compete in the 20th season of the ESL Pro League. The prestigious tournament is set to take place from September 3rd to 23rd in the picturesque setting of Malta, offering teams the chance to showcase their skills on the international stage. Among the invited squads is the reigning champion of IEM Katowice and the BLAST Spring Final – Team Spirit. The return of Leonid “chopper” Vishnyakov’s squad is particularly noteworthy, as they missed the last two seasons due to a low world ranking when the invitations were initially distributed. However, their impressive performances over the past year have now earned them a coveted spot in the league, and they will be eager to defend their hard-won title. Joining Spirit are the rising stars of MongolZ, who have made a strong case for inclusion with their remarkable results in the first half of 2024. This period saw them qualify for the PGL Major Copenhagen Legends stage and secure trophies at the prestigious YaLLa Compass and MESA Nomadic Masters tournaments, firmly establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Counter-Strike 2 landscape. Rounding out the list of invited teams are the stalwarts of Virtus.pro and Eternal Fire, two organizations with a rich history in the game and a reputation for fielding formidable rosters. Additionally, the surprise package of 9z has earned their place after a late-season surge that saw them reach the semi-finals of IEM Dallas and claim victory at the FiReLEAGUE Global Finals, showcasing their ability to compete with the best.

The remaining 27 teams in the league have already been determined, comprising 14 ESL partner organizations as well as 10 winners and runners-up from the regional challenger leagues. Among the notable additions are 3DMAX, who have secured their spot through an impressive performance in the European Conference, and MIBR, who booked their place after winning the ESL Challenger Melbourne event and the Falcons’ second-place finish at ESL Challenger Jönköping. With a diverse and talented lineup of teams, the 20th season of the ESL Pro League promises to be a thrilling and highly competitive event. Fans can look forward to witnessing the best that Counter-Strike 2 has to offer as the world’s top squads battle it out for glory and a coveted spot at the prestigious IEM Katowice 2025 tournament.

The group stage format will ensure a high level of intensity, with the teams divided into four groups of eight. The top four teams from each group will advance to the playoffs, while the group winners will receive the added advantage of moving directly to the quarterfinals, setting the stage for a dramatic late-stage showdown. Beyond the on-field action, the tournament also holds significant implications for the teams’ future prospects. The champion of ESL Pro League Season 20 will earn a direct invitation to IEM Katowice 2025, one of the most prestigious and historic Counter-Strike events. This added incentive is sure to inspire the competitors to perform at the highest level, as they vie for the opportunity to cement their legacy on the international stage.

The tournament’s setting in Malta, with its stunning coastal vistas and rich cultural heritage, will undoubtedly add to the overall experience for players and fans alike. The island nation’s status as a hub for esports events, including previous iterations of the ESL Pro League, further solidifies its reputation as a premier destination for competitive gaming. As the teams begin their preparations for the event, the excitement and anticipation among the Counter-Strike 2 community is palpable. Fans can look forward to a showcase of the sport’s finest talent, with each squad bringing their unique strategies, playstyles, and competitive spirit to the forefront. The 20th season of the ESL Pro League promises to be a landmark event, not just for the league itself, but for the entire Counter-Strike 2 esports ecosystem. With a prize pool of $750,000 on the line, as well as crucial circuit points that could determine qualification for future premier tournaments, the stakes have never been higher. Ultimately, the success of ESL Pro League Season 20 will hinge on the ability of the participating teams to rise to the occasion and deliver a truly unforgettable experience for the global audience. Whether it’s the defending champions asserting their dominance, the underdogs seeking to upset the established order, or the newcomers making their mark on the scene, the event is sure to be a thrilling showcase of the sport’s highest level of competition.

Full list of ESL Pro League Season 20 participants:

• Spirit
• Vitality
• MOUZ
• FaZe
• Natus Vincere
• G2
• Virtus.pro
• Astralis
• Complexity
• HEROIC
• Liquid
• The MongolZ
• 9z
• Eternal Fire
• Falcons
• BIG
• N.I.P.
• FURIA
• FlyQuest
• MIBR
• M80
• fnatic
• ENCE
• 3DMAX
• Imperial
• Sangal
• Lynn Vision
• KOI
• RED Canids
• Wildcard
• ATOX
• Rooster