ESL to Host 14th CS:GO Major in 2019
ESL has announced that it will host the 14th Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Major next year. This follows the successful FACEIT London Major and will be the first Major of 2019. It is also ESL’s first Major since 2016.
IEM Katowice, which will take place in Poland, has been chosen as the location for the Major. This will be the third Valve Major held in Katowice since 2015. Previously, other tournament organizers like FACEIT, ELEAGUE, and PGL have hosted the Majors.
Changes in the Major Format
Just like the previous Majors, there will be 24 teams competing for a $1 million prize. However, unlike ELEAGUE Boston and FACEIT London, the different stages of the event will be hosted in various venues throughout Katowice. FACEIT London, in particular, will be held exclusively in the SSE Arena.
Important Dates to Remember
- New Challengers stage: February 14 to 20 in the ESL Arena
- New Legends stage: February 21 to 24 in the International Congress Center (ICC)
- New Champions stage: February 28 to March 3 in the Spodek Arena
According to Michal Blicharz, the vice president of pro gaming at ESL, IEM Katowice has become one of the most iconic esports tournaments in the world. With the addition of a Valve Major Championship, he expects the upcoming event to be the most incredible in the history of IEM.
Qualification through FACEIT Major
In September, teams will compete in the FACEIT Major, and the top teams from that event will secure a spot in the IEM Katowice Major.
ESL, CS:GO Major, IEM Katowice, Valve Major, FACEIT London Major