ESL has announced updates for the ESL Challenger League (ECL) for 2025. There will be two tournaments in the season:
- Season 49: from January 21 to May 11.
- Season 50: from August 5 to November 16.
The first season will retain the 2024 format, however, the second season will see a significant update to the qualification system. European teams will receive 16 slots through Valve Regional Standings (VRS) and 8 slots through ESEA Advanced. The selection system in other regions is also changing.
READ MORE: Rumor: Woro2k may return to Monte
Distribution of the prize pool
In 2025, the ECL will distribute $580,000 between teams from five regions.
- Europe: $100,000
- North America: $80,000
- South America: $60,000
- Asia: $40,000
- Oceania: $10,000
The winners of each region will receive a ticket to the ESL Pro League. This year, ESL decided to keep only one quota per region, which increases competition.
VRS system and a new approach to qualifications
Starting from Season 50, ESL will integrate the Valve Regional Standings system. Teams that do not qualify for the ECL due to rankings will be relegated to lower ESEA League divisions, where they can fight for qualification again.
This change allows amateur teams to gradually improve their level of play and gain international experience.
Features of regional formats
- In Europe, 24 teams will be divided into groups of 6. The best 4 will advance to the playoffs.
- Asia and Oceania have smaller competitions, but with the same playoff principle.
- North and South America keep a similar format to Europe, but with fewer teams.
The role of the ECL in the ESL Pro Tour ecosystem
The ECL remains an important step between the amateur ESEA League and the professional ESL Pro League. The tournament provides an opportunity for new talent to make a name for themselves on the international stage.
This gives hope that teams such as Monte, B8, and FAVBET will be able to compete for their places in the most prestigious Counter-Strike league.
Source: ESL
![[Exclusive] Wrapping up TSM’s CS2 2024 with Rejin: “in some ways, I think we overperformed”](https://image-proxy.bo3.gg/uploads/news/84626/title_image_square/webp-2ad7d09864e28939d04e9d69de19d1b1.webp.webp?w=60&h=60)
Comments