ESL Pro League Season 24 Finals Set to Return to Katowice’s Legendary Spodek Arena

ESL Pro League Season 24 Finals Set to Return to Katowice’s Legendary Spodek Arena

Counter‑Strike fans, get ready: ESL Pro League Season 24 Finals are officially returning to the Spodek Arena in Katowice, Poland, from October 9 to 11, 2026—marking a grand return to live, arena-based playoffs for the first time since 2019.

This news heralds the end of seven years dominated by studio or online formats, with the last arena finale held in Odense, Denmark, during Season 10 in 2019.

Season Overview & Format

The entire Season 24 will span from September 24 through October 11, 2026, culminating in the Spodek Arena finals. Teams across the globe will vie for a $1 million USD prize pool and the coveted ESL Pro League trophy.

Why Spodek? The Return to a Historic Venue

Spodek Arena isn’t just a venue—it’s a symbol of Counter-Strike legacy. It has hosted iconic tournaments including multiple Intel Extreme Masters World Championships and CS:GO Majors, imprinting itself into the history of esports.

Marc Winther, Director of Game Ecosystems – Counter-Strike at ESL FACEIT Group, emphasized this connection:

“For over a decade, ESL Pro League has been a cornerstone of competitive Counter‑Strike, and we’ve been eager to bring it back in front of a big live audience… Katowice has been the birthplace of dozens of champions, and Spodek Arena has witnessed countless iconic moments over the years… it’s where Counter‑Strike truly took a massive leap.”

Supporting this sentiment, Marcin Krupa, Mayor of Katowice, added:

“The return of the ESL Pro League to a format with a live audience and the choice of our city as the host of the finals is a sign of trust and recognition for our long‑standing cooperation with ESL FACEIT Group. The city of Katowice strengthens its position as the Counter‑Strike history will be written here once again – with the best players and thousands of fans from around the world.” 

This announcement underscores the deep, ongoing partnership between ESL FACEIT Group and the city—a relationship built on mutual respect and shared vision.

A Return to Arena Euphoria

Past ESL Pro League arena hosts include Montpellier, Dallas, and São Paulo. Still, none match Spodek’s legacy and electric atmosphere. Fans and players alike have long awaited its return to prominence, especially after IEM Katowice’s move to Kraków in 2026.

The return of live finals promises a renewed sense of thrill and energy—a celebration of Counter‑Strike in its most authentic form.

What’s Next?

Ticketing details and further event info are yet to come, but excitement is already building for October 2026.