ESL have officially released the first Rulebook update for the 2026 season, revising a number of key aspects related to the Counter-Strike discipline. The changes affect player media obligations, integrity control during online tournaments, and the approach to using funds collected from penalties.
Analysis of the 2025 season
The rule update is the result of an analysis of the 2025 season and feedback from teams, players, and ESL’s internal departments. The organizer notes that the changes are not revolutionary but systemic in nature, aimed at standardizing tournament operations and preparing the ecosystem for the new season.
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Stricter sanctions for missing autograph sessions
One of the most discussed points is the introduction of new penalties for missing autograph sessions. From now on, at ESL tournaments, refusing or failing to attend an autograph session without prior approval will result in a financial fine of $10,000, as well as an additional 5% deduction from the team’s prize money at the specific event. In this way, ESL clearly emphasize the importance of the media component of tournaments and teams’ obligations to the organizer, partners, and fans.
Online match control and a second camera
Another significant change is the option for organizers to require the use of a second camera during online matches. This camera may be used to verify the gaming environment, the player’s workstation, or compliance with fair play rules. This provision formalizes a practice that was previously applied on a situational basis and gives ESL broader tools to prevent violations in remote formats.
#ESLProTour – Rulebook 2026 Update #1
In preparation for 2026, we have introduced several updates to our rulebook, incorporating feedback and adjustments from the previous year, alongside general housekeeping for the new season. pic.twitter.com/cGE2tlEROn
— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) December 17, 2025
A new approach to penalty prize money
ESL have also revised their policy regarding the distribution of funds collected through penalties. Whereas previously these amounts were redistributed among other tournament participants, all penalty prize money will now be donated to charity at the end of the year. With this change, the organizer aims to eliminate potential internal conflicts of interest and give penalties a clearly defined social purpose.
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Rulebook 2026
The first update to the Rulebook 2026 demonstrates ESL’s intention to make the rules more transparent and strictly structured. Increased responsibility for media activities, expanded online control, and the removal of internal redistribution of penalty funds send a clear message: discipline, oversight, and standardization remain ESL’s key priorities heading into the new season.
