ProLeague 22: What Fans Can Expect from This Year’s Showdown

Esports fans and pro gaming betting enthusiasts, rejoice! It is once again time for one of the most popular competitive gaming tournaments to start. In a week, on September 27, ESL Pro League returns with Season 22, as the best teams on the scene will meet and duke it out in Sweden. The premier Counter-Strike tournament is back, and so is the hype. Which teams have the best chances to take the crown, and what can gaming fans expect from this year’s showdown? For a detailed overview and predictions, read on to learn more as we gear up for the best that the always intriguing and exciting pro CS scene has to offer.

ProLeague 22 General Details

As the game of Counter-Strike 2 solidifies its identity in the competitive ecosystem, few events stand out as more important than the ESL Pro League. Returning for its 22nd edition, ESL Pro League has cemented itself as an important pillar of the professional CS2 calendar. Thanks to its combination of elite talent, international representation, a million dollar prize pool, and the fact that it is played offline, Season 22 promises to be one of the most competitive iterations yet.

Running from September 27 to October 12, 2025, ESL Pro League Season 22 is once again hosted in a closed studio environment, this time in Stockholm, Sweden. While the fans will not be present in a live arena, the pressure and stakes are higher than ever. The structure is rigorous, the competition fierce, and the outcomes unpredictable. It has all the makings of a memorable professional video game tournament where the players can fully focus on their games without anything to distract them. Some say it is the purest form of competition.

Tournament Structure

ESL Pro League S22 features a refined competitive structure that has been designed to test every facet of team strength. From consistency and map pool depth to adaptability and mental stamina, it takes everything into account. The format spans three major stages: Stage 1, Stage 2, and the Playoffs. Across all phases, except for the Grand Final, matches are played in best of three (Bo3) series, with the final being best of five (Bo5). This is a format that rewards strategic preparation and resilience as well as the ability to continuously perform on a high enough level until the very end. There are no warmups, and every match counts. Check the Exclusive ESL - ProLeague 22 picks and predictions to see who has the best chance to win.

The opening phase consists of 16 teams, a mix of qualified teams and those receiving direct invites to this stage. These teams face off in a Swiss System format, meaning each team plays others with the same win loss record after each round. It ensures there is enough competitive balance while increasing unpredictability. The top 8 teams at the end of Stage 1 progress to the second phase, while the remaining 8 are eliminated.

Stage 2 introduces another set of 8 teams, but this time a group of higher seeded squads who earned the right to skip Stage 1 based on Valve Regional Standings or previous accomplishments. It is similar to some pro sports where the best players skip the initial rounds. They are joined by the 8 successful teams from the first stage, thus creating a new 16 team Swiss pool. It is just like Stage 1 since, once again, the top 8 teams from Stage 2 earn their place in the Playoffs.

The concluding phase of the tournament, the Playoffs, adopts a single elimination bracket. There are no second chances, and every match is do or die. The quarterfinals and semifinals are Bo3, with the Grand Final a Bo5. Importantly, this season includes a third place match, allowing the two teams eliminated in the semifinals to fight for an additional portion of the prize pool and valuable ESL Pro Tour points. A nice detail that mimics professional sports and bronze medal games.

One more innovation in the tournament is the use of Live Ratings. This new adaptive seeding tool dynamically influences matchups based on real time performance rather than fixed brackets. Thanks to the use of modern data and technology, these ratings add strategic unpredictability and help avoid repeat matchups. It is great for the fans on one side, and the teams and the tournament on the other.

Prize Pool Distribution

Sure, tournaments like this are the ultimate goal to prove your worth and let everyone know you are the best, but they do come with a nice financial incentive. The total prize pool for ESL Pro League Season 22 stands at a substantial $1,000,000. This total is divided into player prizes and organizational club rewards according to the final seeding.

The dual reward system incentivizes both the players and the structure behind them, meaning coaches, analysts, support staff, and organizations. It is designed not just to reward the top teams but to support long term sustainability for participating organizations. This way, they do not have to share one amount, which is often a problem in the competitive esports scene.

The champions of the event will take home $100,000 in player prize money and an additional $150,000 in club reward. The runner up earns $50,000 plus $75,000. The third gets $28,000 and $60,000, and the fourth $22,000 and $50,000. Teams from 5th to 8th are awarded $18,000 and $40,000, while even teams that finish outside the top 8 receive monetary compensation, with all placements down to 24th being rewarded for their participation.

Which Teams are Taking Part?

Before you can watch and bet on these exciting CS2 matches on an ESL - ProLeague 22 sportsbook, you need to know exactly who is participating and what their chances are. A total of 24 teams are participating in this season, with 8 teams receiving direct invites to Stage 2, while the remaining 16 either qualified through regional qualifiers or were invited to Stage 1. Let us start with the favorites, i.e., those who are skipping the initial stage and going straight to the second. They have done so for a reason, so it makes sense to expect the winner to come from one of them. These are generally considered the elite of the elite, teams that have proven themselves across the CS2 landscape in 2025 and beyond.

• Team Vitality: A powerhouse with an elite roster, currently one of the most consistent teams in the world.
• MOUZ: A young and highly skilled lineup that has impressed with recent tournament victories.
• Team Spirit: Fast paced and unpredictable, known for their explosive playstyle and rising stars.
• The MongolZ: Asia’s most dominant team that brings unique strategies and relentless aggression.
• Team Falcons: A roster filled with veterans and talented newcomers backed by significant investment.
• Aurora Gaming: A surprise invite that has shown moments of brilliance in previous tournaments.
• FaZe Clan: One of the most legendary names in CS, always a threat in playoff brackets.
• Natus Vincere (NaVi): The most decorated team of the last decade, now in a rebuilding phase but still dangerous.

Joining them are Stage 1 participants, teams that are a mix of storied organizations looking for new glory and regional contenders that are equally as dangerous despite being on a more difficult path. FURIA, G2 Esports, GamerLegion, Virtus.pro, Astralis, and HEROIC all bring rich histories and competitive depth. On the other hand, 3DMAX, B8, NRG, Fluxo, Lynn Vision, and Rooster represent regional strength and the possibility of upsets.

Additionally, several teams enter through closed qualifiers and ESL Challenger League performances. These include organizations from Europe, the Americas, South America, and Asia. Some notable entries from qualifiers include Rooster, TNL, M80, and HOTU. Surprises are always possible, so keep checking back at Stake.com for the latest odds.

What Fans Can Expect

With a high stakes format and no room for error in the final stages, ESL Pro League S22 offers something for every kind of fan. Early rounds will be filled with intriguing matchups as underdog teams test themselves against more experienced rosters and aim to overachieve. The Swiss format ensures that every match matters. There is no easy path to the playoffs despite Stage 2 teams having a big advantage. They still need to play to get there, and Stage 1 can offer the much needed practice, experience, and form that carry over. As the event progresses, tactical depth, stamina, and map veto strategies will begin to separate real contenders from pretenders.

Fans should expect dramatic upsets, close overtimes, and sudden ascents from unexpected names. In a best of 3 format, teams that rely on momentum and mental fortitude are more likely to survive than those that depend solely on star players and their heroics. What is more, the presence of a third place match introduces a new layer of competitiveness and tactics where teams can aim to play riskier in the semis since they still have a chance to come in 3rd. It ensures that even after losing in the semifinals, the team must remain sharp, not just for money but for points and pride.

Counter-Strike 2 FAQs

How much do you know about the most popular competitive tactical first person shooter (FPS)? You might have played it, as well as older varieties like Global Offensive or 1.6 back in the day, but do you know everything there is about the most modern version? Here is a quick way to assess your level of knowledge and identify areas where you may need to improve your approach.

1. What is Counter-Strike 2, and how is it different from Counter-Strike: Global Offensive?

CS2 is the successor to CS: GO, rebuilt on the Source 2 engine. It features better graphics, responsive smoke grenades, upgraded tick rate mechanics, and improved matchmaking. Think of it as a modern refresh rather than a completely new game.

2. Is CS2 free to play?

Yes, just like CS: GO, Counter-Strike 2 is completely free to play on Steam. However, players can purchase a Prime Status Upgrade for better matchmaking and to earn ranks and drops. There are also paid skins and cosmetics for in game items.

3. What are "sub-tick updates" in CS2?

Sub-tick updates are Valve’s new system that makes the game more responsive and accurate, regardless of the tick rate. This means actions like shooting or moving feel smoother and register more precisely, which greatly improves gameplay consistency.

4. Did all my CS: GO skins and inventory carry over to CS2?

Yes, you keep everything, which is rare in gaming. Your entire CS: GO inventory, including skins, stickers, and cases, has been automatically transferred to CS2. It is now all rendered with enhanced lighting and materials thanks to Source 2.

5. What happened to Dust2 in CS2?

Dust2 is still in CS2, but it was visually overhauled to match the Source 2 graphics. However, it is not always in the active map pool for competitive play because Valve rotates maps to keep things fresh.

6. Can I still play offline or with bots in CS2?

Yes, you can launch an offline game with bots or run custom servers using the developer console or community server browser. It is a great way to practice or try new maps.

7. Are smoke grenades really different in CS2?

Absolutely. Smokes in CS2 are now "volumetric", meaning they interact with the environment, fill spaces more realistically, and can even be temporarily cleared by gunfire or explosions. This opens up a ton of new tactical possibilities and just looks cool and realistic.

8. How do I improve my aim in CS2?

Improving aim involves practice and settings. Use aim training maps (like Aim Botz), adjust your sensitivity, crosshair, and practice daily. Also, consider using the new workshop tools to fine tune your skills. Ultimately, it also comes with experience.

9. Are there any new game modes in CS2?

As of now, the core modes (Competitive, Casual, Deathmatch, Wingman) are intact. Valve may introduce new modes over time, but the focus remains on the classic team based, 5v5 bomb defusal tactical experience.

10. Can I create my own maps or mods in CS2?

Yes, and it is a fan favorite feature of the game. Thanks to the Source 2 engine, the CS2 Workshop tools are more powerful and accessible. Creators can design maps with improved lighting, physics, and detail. If you are into mapping or modding, CS2 is an amazingly potent playground.