Valve has released the first update of the regional ranking in 2025, which will determine invitations for three major tournaments: IEM Katowice, PGL Cluj-Napoca and ESL Pro League S21.

This update is particularly interesting as it determines which teams will receive direct invitations to prestigious tournaments. It also demonstrates how recent team achievements have affected their positions in the ranking.

How is the regional ranking formed?

The regional ranking by Valve takes into account team results in key tournaments, such as Majors, regional leagues, and other ranking events. The latest update includes results from the fall of 2024, including the tournament in Shanghai.

The ranking also determines quotas for tournaments. For example, the top 8 receive direct invitations to the IEM Katowice group stage, while teams ranked 9 to 24 will compete in the Play-In. Additionally, the top 12 will earn spots in ESL Pro League S21, and the top 16 teams will be invited to PGL Cluj-Napoca.

Key update details

According to the update, G2 remains at the top of the ranking. Spirit holds second place, and The MongolZ is third. Vitality, FaZe, and MOUZ occupy the 4th to 6th places respectively. Natus Vincere is seventh, while HEROIC (Falcons) completes the top 8.

The regulations state that only one team from an organization can participate in a tournament. For instance, FURIA cannot send two of its teams — FURIA and FURIA fe. Another interesting point was the transfer of the HEROIC slot to Falcons, as the Saudi organization previously signed three key players from the HEROIC roster.

The regional ranking determines the fate of teams in major tournaments, shaping the history of esports. The ranking update also highlights the growing competition among teams, making the upcoming tournaments even more exciting for viewers.