Get ready for a serious showdown in the world of esports. The ESL Pro League Season 22 for Counter-Strike (CS2) kicks off this upcoming Sunday, September 28th. This international championship brings together 24 top teams from around the globe, all vying for the coveted title and a massive prize pool. It’s a huge event that runs until October 12th, promising intense competition.
Sixteen teams will hit the virtual battlefield in the first phase. Among them are three powerhouses from Brazil: FURIA, Fluxo, and Legacy. These teams will need to be at their best from the very start.
Teams on the Starting Line
The competition is fierce, with teams split into two groups for their entry into the tournament.
Phase One Contenders
- FURIA
- Fluxo
- Legacy
- G2
- 3DMAX
- Astralis
- Virtus.pro
- GamerLegion
- HEROIC
- M80
- Lynn Vision
- B8
- NRG
- Inner Circle
- HOTU
- Rooster
Joining in Phase Two
The following eight teams will enter the tournament later, directly into the second phase, waiting for the first round’s top performers.
- The Mongolz
- Vitality
- Spirit
- Falcons
- MOUZ
- Aurora
- Natus Vincere
- FaZe
How the Tournament Works
The ESL Pro League Season 22 unfolds in two distinct stages, each testing the teams in different ways.
First Stage: The Swiss System
The first phase uses a “Swiss system” format. Teams need to win three matches to move on. If a team loses three times, they are out. Elimination and qualification matches are played as best-of-three series. The top eight teams from this phase will then join the pre-qualified teams in the second stage. For fans eager to follow the Brazilian teams, here are their initial matchups and times (Brasília time):
- Fluxo vs Astralis – 8:00 AM
- Legacy vs B8 – 10:30 AM
- FURIA vs HOTU – 1:00 PM
Second Stage: Sudden Death
The second stage ramps up the pressure with a single-elimination bracket. Lose one match, and your tournament journey ends. All matches in this stage will be best-of-three. The grand final, scheduled for October 12th, will be an epic best-of-five series, demanding ultimate endurance and skill from the last two teams standing.
Prizes and Where to Watch
The stakes are incredibly high. According to Liquipedia, a staggering one million US dollars will be shared among all participants. The ultimate champion will walk away with a substantial $250,000. Fans can catch all the thrilling matches by tuning into the official co-streams provided by the event organizers.