The world of Esports has had a rough year with in-person events drastically cut down. This has affected everything from the top fighting games through to popular shooters. It did look like this period was coming to an end, with the return of numerous in-person events. CS GO in particular was shaping up to head back online.
This is a game where connection matters, and playing via LAN makes things considerably more exciting for fans and players. However, this week we’ve got the news that the ESL Pro League 14 will be moving back online. Thanks to new restrictions in Europe, this CSGO tournament is having its organization moved around again. This is what’s changed and what you can expect at the tournament.
ESL Pro League 14
The ESL Pro League is one of the premier events for CSGO. The best CSGO players compete here, hoping to win out world’s top teams. The last season of the ESL Pro League took place online rather than through LAN, and we saw plenty of teams struggling to adapt. EPL 14 was due to be taking place on LAN in Malta, a fresh continuation after a LAN held IEM Cologne.
However, a decision has now been made to move the tournament to an online-only format. The new format is going to be played in much the same way as the 13th version of the League. With a year of online under their belt, organizers are now a lot more experienced in running high-stakes tournaments only online. The tournament is due to run from August 16ththrough to September 12th. It’ll also feature a $750,000 prize pool. This is how it’s going to be played:
- Group Stage – This is the first stage. Groups of 6 compete in best of 3 matches. The top players proceed into the player offs, with the second and third placing teams going into a round of 12
- Play-In – The play-in is going to be played in a single-elimination bracket. All of the matches will be played as best of 3 with the winning teams advancing to the semi-finals and losing teams advancing to the quarter-finals.
- Play-Offs – A single elimination bracket is going to be held with best of 3 matches. The grand final between the top two placing teams will be best of five.
We would have loved to continue on LAN, but due to uncertainty surrounding COVID-related travel restrictions, #ESLProLeague S14 will take place online with all 24 teams competing from their homes and boot camp locations within Europe.
➡️ https://t.co/5zX8byQdrT pic.twitter.com/yEv8sDVSlY
— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) July 20, 2021
While the organizers have ironed out the majority of the kinks, the news is still disappointing to fans. You only have to look to the receptions teams have been getting at their first in-person events recently to see how much it has been missed.
Gambit back on top?
The ESL Pro League going to LAN spells
Esports.net
