ESL unveils new CS2 Challenger League format

Tournament operator ESL has announced a new format for ESL Challenger League (ECL). The organizers have abandoned the playoff league format and switched to a system of four individual "cups" each of which will provide a slot at the regional finals, which will play out at the end of the season. The winners of the regional finals in each of the five regions will secure tickets to the ESL Pro League.

The changes were introduced due to the need to comply with the current VRS tournament system and Valve's requirements. According to ESL, the new format will require less time and effort from teams, which will allow them to participate in other competitions. In addition, fewer matches will be required to get into the ESL Pro League.

So, in each region of ESL Challenger League, four Double Elimination events will take place during the season, each of which will last two weeks. Based on the results of the four cups, a final will play out in the region with the participation of the four winners of these cups. The format of the final will change if one squad wins more than one cup.

If a squad wins two cups, they will advance directly to the grand final. If they win three cups, the final will feature two squads, while that team will receive a one-map advantage. If a roster wins all four cups, the final is cancelled and the team advances directly to ESL Pro League Season 23. All matches will play out in a BO3 format.

Cup slots will be distributed based on the VRS ranking and the results of previous ECL seasons. The squad that secures first place in the ECL will receive an invite to all four cups. Second place will receive three cups, third place will receive two, while fourth place will secure one cup. In Oceania, first place will receive two invites, while second place will get one.

Since cups will be considered tier 2 tournaments in Valve's system, squads from the top 12 of the global VRS ranking will not be able to get invites. The number of participants, invite distribution, and prize pool will vary depending on the region. Details for each region can be found on the official ESL website.