Announcing PGL CS2 2025-2026: A New Era

Bucharest, Romania - March 31, 2024 - PGL will host at least eleven Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) tournaments throughout 2025 and 2026 and beyond this date. This moment signifies a major shift in the Counter-Strike market. After eight years, following the new rules that won't allow tournament organizers to partner with teams starting with January 1st, 2025, PGL is set to organize Tier 1 and non-major Counter-Strike 2 tournaments. Due to a prevailing monopoly, this endeavor was unattainable until January 1st, 2025. Thanks to the CS2 licensing rules that enable any tournament organizer to host events and the prohibition of conflicts of interest between event organizers and teams, PGL can pave the way for more diverse and competitive CS2 events.

PGL's commitment to hosting a series of CS2 tournaments underscores the organization's dedication to enriching the esports landscape and providing teams and fans with unforgettable competitive experiences. The announced dates for the upcoming tournaments are as follows:

For the first time since 2016, PGL will be able to organize CS2 Tier 1, non-major tournaments, signaling the end of the era dominated by a few esports organizers who created a monopoly on the Counter-Strike market. This initiative not only introduces a breath of fresh air into the competitive scene but also aligns with PGL's vision of fostering a more inclusive and varied esports ecosystem.

PGL's ambition goes beyond merely increasing the number of tournaments; it aims to elevate the quality, excitement, and accessibility of competitive CS2 to new heights. We strongly believe that a larger number of tournament organizers will benefit everyone in the long run - teams, players, and fans worldwide.

As PGL continues to finalize preparations for these events, further details will be shared with the community. Fans, players, and teams are encouraged to stay tuned for more information in the coming months.

PGL is proud to lead the charge towards a new era in esports, marked by increased competition, diversity, and opportunities for all involved in the thrilling world of Counter-Strike 2.

PGL achieved a landmark in esports history by organizing the two Counter-Strike tournaments with the highest peak viewership ever recorded, specifically the PGL Major Stockholm 2021 and PGL Major Antwerp 2022, marking them as the most watched CS tournaments in terms of peak viewers.

PGL stands out as the last independent tournament organizer in the industry, without any governmental investment or venture capital, which places us in a unique position on the global esports stage. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, our sole purpose remains to deliver world-class events. We are dedicated to creating memorable experiences for players and fans, showcasing the most captivating competitions and esports spectacles. At PGL, our passion for gaming and community guides every decision, ensuring that each event we organize sets new standards of excellence in the esports world.