ESL Impact League Season 8 Launches — Details & Context

ESL Impact League Season 8 Launches — Details & Context

The eighth season of the ESL Impact League, the premier women’s Counter‑Strike competition, has begun with its online phase in Europe, South America, and North America. 

What’s on Tap

Dates & Format
Season 8 runs from September 10 to October 25, 2025 for the regional league phases. After that, Global Finals will be held in Stockholm from November 28–30. 
To qualify, each region held two open qualifiers between August 15–21.

Prize Pool & Slots
Total prize pool is US$223,000. 
From Europe, four teams will qualify for the finals; South America and North America will each send two. 

Key Teams & Storylines

Defending Champions
FURIA fe, the Brazilian squad, won Season 7 and are the ones to beat; they are expected to defend their title in South America. 

European Favorites
The Imperial Valkyries are aiming to reclaim top status in Europe, especially after suffering their first ever Impact defeat last season to FURIA fe. 
Also in the mix: NIP Impact, who won their group last season and reached the semi‑finals in Dallas. 

North America’s Contenders
Shimmer (formerly Supernova Comets) are looking to build on their surprising run to the grand final in Season 7. 
FlyQuest RED is another consistent presence and hopes to make it to the finals again. 

Notable New Adds & Roster Moves
One noteworthy story: the team Lotus will compete under the banner Legacy Kingdom, joining their women‑focused brand Legacy Queendom as Legacy Lotus. The team had secured a spot via the open qualifiers. 
Also, it was clarified in the Lotus announcement that player Ava “estrella” Ubiles is a substitute rather than a full signing. 

Format & Structure

Europe has 12 teams competing in online group play; following that, there’s a “Play‑In” stage for teams that don’t win their groups to try to qualify for finals. 

North America and South America each have 8 teams in the regional league. 

Important Context & Issues

• Season 7’s grand final was historic: FURIA fe’s comeback marked Brazil’s first ESL Impact League title. Also notable: this was the first time a North American roster (Supernova Comets) reached the grand final. 

• However, that final was also marred by transphobic abuse directed at Supernova Comets.