ESL has announced several changes to the ESL Pro Tour in 2021 to improve the experience for fans and players both. Here is everything you need to know.
ESL wants to improve the entire Pro Tour for fans and players. In order to do so they will not only build a new studio dedicated to CS:GO, but also reworked the competitive schedule.
To improve the storytelling of the events the eight ESL Pro Tour Masters & Master Championships will now happen on two consecutive weekends each in 2021.
In the first week the group stages will be played out in the studios, while the second weekend will see the playoffs play out in the arenas.
Playdays
Masters:
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="606" width="1161" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
Masters Championship:
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="609" width="1152" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
Better for the players
For the professional players the frequency of games will be reduced and the new schedule gives teams more time to prepare for tournaments and specific opponents. At the same time the scheduling will allow players more time at home to prevent burnout.
❤️ Can’t wait for this
— Özgür Eker (@w0xic) September 22, 2020
Several players like Cloud9’s woxic have stated their support of the new direction and are looking forward to the 2021 season.
Read more:
Better for fans
Additionally ESL plans to use the freed up time to work on their production value. More analysis, trailers and other content pieces are planned to improve the viewer experience.
Better for players, better for fans – this is our vision for #ESLProTour 2021 🙌
Announcing our 2021 CS:GO calendar, brand new dedicated EPT studio, fresh double-weekend event format and more!https://t.co/dLXo4NDgfw pic.twitter.com/KF2yaRVnXu
— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) September 22, 2020
The official schedule for 2021
| EVENT | DATE | PRIZE MONEY | TEAMS | REGION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IEM Katowice | 16 – 28 Feb | $1,000,000 | 24 | Poland |
| EPL: Season 13 | 10 Mar – 18 Apr | $750,000 | 24 | Malta |
| DreamHack Masters | 3 – 13 Jun | $250,000 | 16 | Europe |
| ESL One Cologne | 6 – 18 Jul | $1,000,000 | 24 | Germany |
| IEM Melbourne ** | 17 – 22 Aug | $250,000 | 16 | Australia |
| EPL: Season 14 | 1 Sep – 10 Oct | $750,000 | 24 | Malta |
| Intel® Extreme Masters | 14 – 24 Oct | $250,000 | 16 | North America |
| Intel® Extreme Masters | 2 – 12 Dec | $250,000 | 16 | Asia |
The new studio
More Counter-Strike:
What do you think of 2021’s ESL Pro Tour? Join the discussion on social media or our Discord!
You can also help improve our website by submitting direct feedback!
You can find more information on the ESL Pro Tour events, including VoDs, brackets and more on juked.gg
Image Credit: ESL