ESL Pro League S24 to run entirely on LAN — return to live-play roots for CS2’s top league

ESL Pro League S24 to run entirely on LAN — return to live-play roots for CS2’s top league

The organizers of ESL FACEIT Group have officially confirmed that ESL Pro League Season 24 (EPL S24) will be conducted entirely on LAN — marking a full return to in-person competition for one of the most prestigious leagues in Counter-Strike 2. 

For fans and teams alike, this announcement signals a major shift back to the traditional competitive environment: no more online group stages or remote matches — from qualifiers to playoffs, every match will take place on LAN.

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What we know so far: schedule, venue, and structure

• The playoffs for EPL S24 have been slated for October 9–11, 2026 at the iconic Spodek Arena in Katowice, Poland.

• The full season will leverage the LAN-format from start to finish — a design that revives the league’s pre-COVID scheduling philosophy and moves away from mixed online-offline formats.

• In total, 16 teams are set to participate in S24’s final stage, with the full season bracket and structure to be revealed closer to the start date.

ESL Pro League has long been considered a cornerstone of the competitive CS2 landscape — a globally recognized circuit where top teams from around the world come together to compete for a substantial prize pool and prestige. 

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Why this matters — the implications for teams, fans, and competitive CS2

🏟️ Return of full LAN: the “true test” for pro teams

Playing entirely on LAN removes many variables inherent to online competition — ping differences, connection instabilities, and other technical inconsistencies. For pro teams, this means a purer environment where individual skills, teamwork, and preparation matter most.

For many organizations, full-LAN seasons are a chance to standardize performance evaluation and ensure long-term consistency. The move echoes what many in the CS community had called for: “return to the roots” of professional play.

🎫 Spodek Arena — symbolic homecoming

By choosing Spodek Arena for the 2026 playoffs, ESL nods to the venue’s storied history in Counter-Strike esports. Katowice has hosted countless legendary matches and remains emblematic of CS’s European heartland.

The announcement comes at a time when the organization previously indicated that the rival major event, IEM Katowice, would move to Kraków — making the return of EPL playoffs to Spodek even more significant for fans and legacy stakeholders alike. 

💰 Stability amid structural changes

Over the years, the ESL Pro League has undergone several format changes — fluctuating between regional divisions and unified leagues, changing team counts, and adjusting prize pools. 

With S24, the decision to run everything on LAN suggests a stabilization of format and a recommitment to high-stakes, high-prestige CS2 competition. For sponsors, orgs, and fans, this offers predictability and reassurance that the league remains a top-tier event worthy of investment.

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Historical context: how did we get here?

• The ESL Pro League, originally launched in 2015, underwent multiple evolutions — from region-based leagues, to unified global structure, adapting throughout the CS:GO era and into CS2.

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, many seasons were forced online or hybrid, but as live events returned, ESL has experimented with mixed formats — online group stages followed by LAN playoffs.

• Among CS fans and analysts, there has been growing sentiment that true league legitimacy comes from LAN integrity — making S24’s full-LAN approach a likely response to community feedback. While not all sources publicly quote fans or analysts, this sentiment has been broadly echoed across community forums and media covering CS2.

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What to expect — Looking ahead to S24

• Competitive intensity will likely rise. With every team under identical conditions, even small margins — like coordination, decision-making, or clutch performance — will matter more than ever.

• Meta and prep could shift significantly. LAN conditions often favor teams with strong communication setups, well-rehearsed strategies, and mental resilience. Expect teams to focus even more on these areas during pre-season training.

• Fans and viewers benefits: For spectators, full LAN ensures fair play, better broadcast quality, and removes many variables that sometimes marred online events.

• Legacy & prestige restoration: With Spodek Arena set to host finals, S24 may mark a resurgence of traditional CS event grandeur — with loud crowds, memorable moments, and big prize pools. If successful, ESL could set the blueprint for other leagues in 2026 and beyond.

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TL;DR — Summary

ESL Pro League Season 24 will return to an all-LAN format from qualifiers through playoffs, with finals set for October 2026 at Katowice’s legendary Spodek Arena. This decision reflects a recommitment to competitive integrity, consistent conditions, and the grandeur of professional Counter-Strike, signaling a new chapter for esports’ flagship CS2 league.

For teams, it’s a test of full commitment; for fans, a return to true LAN spectacle; and for the community, a sign that the foundations of CS competition remain strong.