From September 28 to October 2, Stockholm will host ESL Pro League Season 22 Stage 1. Sixteen teams will gather at the ESL Studio to fight not only for prize money but also for progression to Stage 2, where the world’s best squads are already waiting.
The tournament uses a Swiss system with all matches played in best-of-three format, and only the top eight teams will advance. Every win and loss will have immediate consequences, making consistency the ultimate key to survival.
Format
Stage 1 of EPL S22 runs from September 28 to October 2, 2025, and brings together 16 teams in a Swiss system. Every match is played as a best-of-three, leaving no room for easy runs or quick upsets.
The top eight teams will qualify for Stage 2, while the remaining eight are eliminated. Beyond progression, there is also prize money on the line, with payouts ranging from $6,500 for 9–11th place to $3,000 for those finishing 15–16th. Although the total prize pool is secondary to the advancement stakes, it adds another layer of pressure to every series.
S-Tier — G2, FURIA
The two clear favorites of this stage. Both G2 and FURIA are inside the global VRS top and only appear in Stage 1 due to invites being locked two months ago. Their level is well above most of the competition, and anything less than a clean qualification to Stage 2 would be a major shock.
A-Tier — HEROIC, B8
HEROIC and B8 are positioned as leaders of this stage. HEROIC have been rebuilding and regaining confidence, while B8 are in a critical moment to cement themselves in Tier-1. For both squads, failing to advance to Stage 2 would be considered a disaster.
B-Tier — Astralis, 3DMAX, GamerLegion, Legacy
Astralis remain unstable despite magisk’s return. Their potential is undeniable, but results have yet to match expectations. 3DMAX arrive with a stand-in, which seriously limits their ceiling. GamerLegion are testing a new AWPer, making them unpredictable but risky. Legacy have looked decent online, but LAN play will reveal whether they can compete at this level.
C-Tier — M80, Virtus.Pro, NRG, Inner Circle
M80 have built hype through online results, but the LAN stage is a very different environment. Virtus.Pro have been called a dead roster for months, though their recent performance at FISSURE Playground showed faint signs of life. NRG are in Europe for valuable international experience and could sneak into the top eight if they peak. Inner Circle, the former TNL squad, made it through qualifiers but are struggling to maintain momentum.
D-Tier — Lynn Vision, Fluxo, HOTU, Rooster
Lynn Vision have not impressed since the Major and now enter with lowered expectations. Fluxo and Rooster are both inexperienced on the Tier-1 stage and unlikely to make a deep run. HOTU, however, strengthened with the addition of n0rb3r7, which could help them steal a match or two. Rooster remain the prime candidate for a 0–3 elimination.
Prediction
Looking at the form and VRS standings, the eight teams most likely to advance to Stage 2 are FURIA, G2, B8, Astralis, GamerLegion, NRG, Virtus.Pro, and Legacy. FURIA and G2 should qualify without major issues, while B8 are expected to capitalize on their preparation and momentum. Astralis and GamerLegion remain inconsistent but still strong enough to claim spots. NRG and Virtus.Pro have the experience to edge out the lower-tier opponents, and Legacy’s LAN test may finally secure them a place among the big names.
The Importance of VRS
Beyond progression to Stage 2, this tournament is critical in the race for Major invites. B8, HEROIC, Virtus.Pro, Fluxo, and possibly GamerLegion are all fighting for valuable VRS points. A strong showing in Stockholm could secure their spot at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, while failure may leave them outside the cut. The Swiss format means there is no safety net — a single poor run could end Major hopes entirely.
Final Thoughts
G2 and FURIA stand out as heavy favorites, but beneath them the battle for Stage 2 advancement will be fierce. HEROIC and B8 have the tools to qualify, Astralis and GamerLegion remain unpredictable, while the rest are hoping to turn underdog energy into momentum. With Major qualification implications hanging over several rosters, ESL Pro League Season 22 Stage 1 is set to deliver high-stakes Counter-Strike and early autumn drama in Stockholm.
