From September 28 to October 2, Stockholm will host ESL Pro League Season 22 Stage 1, the opening phase of one of Counter-Strike’s most prestigious competitions. Sixteen teams will enter the Swiss system, all matches played in best-of-three, with only half of the field advancing to Stage 2. For several squads, this stage is also decisive in the race for StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 invites, as valuable VRS points are at stake.
Format
Stage 1 features a 16-team Swiss system. Each match is best-of-three, ensuring no quick upsets and no easy routes to progression. Teams reaching three wins qualify for Stage 2, while those with three losses are eliminated. Eight teams will move forward, while the other eight go home. Although prize money is available for eliminated rosters, the primary goal is survival and progression deeper into ESL Pro League.
Prize Pool Distribution
The prize pool for Stage 1 is $50,000, distributed among teams finishing outside the qualification zone:
- 1st-8th place: Stage 2
- 9th–11th place: $6,500
- 12th–14th place: $4,500
- 15th–16th place: $3,000
The top eight teams advance to Stage 2, where the much larger EPL prize pool will be contested.
Schedule
Sunday, September 28 — Opening Round
All times CEST
- 10:30 — HEROIC vs Lynn Vision
- 10:30 — G2 vs Rooster
- 13:00 — Astralis vs Fluxo
- 13:00 — 3DMAX vs Inner Circle
- 15:30 — M80 vs Virtus.Pro
- 15:30 — Legacy vs B8
- 18:00 — GamerLegion vs NRG
- 18:00 — FURIA vs HOTU
Monday, September 29 — Swiss Round 2
- 10:30 — Swiss Round 2 #1
- 10:30 — Swiss Round 2 #2
- 13:00 — Swiss Round 2 #3
- 13:00 — Swiss Round 2 #4
- 15:30 — Swiss Round 2 #5
- 15:30 — Swiss Round 2 #6
- 18:00 — Swiss Round 2 #7
- 18:00 — Swiss Round 2 #8
Tuesday, September 30 — Swiss Round 3
- 10:30 — Swiss Round 3 #1
- 10:30 — Swiss Round 3 #2
- 13:00 — Swiss Round 3 #3
- 13:00 — Swiss Round 3 #4
- 15:30 — Swiss Round 3 #5
- 15:30 — Swiss Round 3 #6
- 18:00 — Swiss Round 3 #7
- 18:00 — Swiss Round 3 #8
Wednesday, October 1 — Swiss Round 4
- 13:30 — Swiss Round 4 #1
- 13:30 — Swiss Round 4 #2
- 16:00 — Swiss Round 4 #3
- 16:00 — Swiss Round 4 #4
- 18:30 — Swiss Round 4 #5
- 18:30 — Swiss Round 4 #6
Thursday, October 2 — Swiss Round 5 (Final Deciders)
- 13:30 — Swiss Round 5 #1
- 16:00 — Swiss Round 5 #2
- 18:30 — Swiss Round 5 #3
Where to Watch
Fans can tune in live on ESL’s official Twitch and YouTube channels. The event will also be co-streamed by community partners and regional broadcasters, ensuring global coverage.
Final Thoughts
Stage 1 of ESL Pro League Season 22 will set the tone for the rest of the season. FURIA and G2 are expected to dominate, HEROIC and B8 aim for stability, while Astralis, GamerLegion, and others fight to prove themselves. With Major qualification pressure looming, every match in Stockholm is a chance to define a team’s trajectory heading into the fall.
