Katowice’s Spodek Arena Confirmed as Host for ESL Pro League Season 24 Finals in 2026

Katowice’s Spodek Arena Confirmed as Host for ESL Pro League Season 24 Finals in 2026

ESL has officially announced that the legendary Spodek Arena in Katowice will host the ESL Pro League (EPL) Season 24 Finals, scheduled to take place from October 9 to 11, 2026.

This exciting development comes in the wake of ESL’s earlier decision to relocate IEM Katowice—one of their marquee events—to Kraków in 2026. While IEM moves on, Spodek Arena remains a key venue in ESL’s CS:GO legacy.

Marc Winther, Director of Game Ecosystems – Counter-Strike at ESL FACEIT Group, emphasized the return to arena finals:

“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, as esports is at its best when experienced live in‑person.”

Notably, this marks the first time since 2019—when the playoffs were held in Odense, Denmark—that the Pro League will feature arena-style live finals. 

** Additional Context and Venue Legacy**

The Spodek Arena, renowned for its flying saucer–inspired architecture, has been a pillar of Katowice's esports and cultural scene. Opened in 1971, it has hosted a variety of major tournaments including multiple IEM Katowice Majors and world championships in other sports.

ESL’s decision to return to Spodek reflects both a nod to the venue’s historical importance and a continued commitment to delivering high-energy, in-person esports experiences in iconic locations.