ESL Pro League Season 14 playoffs format changed

Tournament operator ESL introduced an updated playoffs format for the Pro League series, which will take effect next season. This has been announced in a press release on their official website.

According to the updated regulation at EPL Season 14, the twelve strongest teams will advance to the playoffs after the group stage, but the Play-In stage, which allowed the top two participants to get directly to the semifinals, has been canceled. Winners of their groups will start the competition from the quarterfinals, while the second and third places will play in the 1/8 finals.

ESL has published an infographic comparing the old and new playoff formats:

ESL Pro League Season 14 will take place online between Aug. 16 and Sept. 12. 24 participants, including CIS representatives NAVI, Gambit, Virtus.pro, and Team Spirit, will compete for the $750,000 prize pool.