ESL FACEIT Group has revamped its tournament structure by adding third place decider matches to major CS2 events. This change reflects new VRS rules and will influence team rankings for upcoming Majors in 2026.


ESL FACEIT Group has officially announced a new structural change to its Counter Strike 2 tournament lineup. Starting with the upcoming ESL Pro League Season 22, all major ESL Pro Tour events will now feature a dedicated third place decider match. This update reflects a broader shift in how tournament rankings impact the qualification pathway to Counter Strike’s most prestigious stages.

The third place match will be a full best of three series, held prior to the Grand Final at each tournament. It is not merely symbolic but will play a crucial role in determining team placement in the Valve Regional Standings. These standings are now the sole criteria used to decide which thirty two teams make it to the Counter Strike Major, following the recent removal of Major Regional Qualifiers by Valve.

The decision marks a significant evolution in the Counter Strike ecosystem. Previously, finishing in the top four at any ESL event guaranteed prestige but had limited impact on a team’s Major journey. With the VRS system now fully replacing traditional qualifiers, every match counts more than ever. This means that the battle for third place is not just for pride but could directly influence a team's future in the international competitive circuit.

However, this change also comes at the cost of entertainment focused segments that fans have grown to love. The addition of third place matches means ESL has decided to remove showmatches from its events including IEM Chengdu and IEM Kraków. These exhibition style games, which often featured retired pros or mixed rosters, have been a popular crowd pleaser, but ESL has prioritized competitive relevance over novelty.

In a public statement, the ESL FACEIT Group said that this move was a direct response to the shifting competitive environment. With teams battling for every available VRS point and the Counter Strike Major becoming even more exclusive, the structure had to evolve to match the stakes. The group emphasized that these updates are not just logistical, but strategic, aimed at fostering more meaningful competition across every stage of the tournament.

The impact of this decision will be visible as early as the next few months. IEM Kraków 2026, which replaces the iconic Katowice event, will be among the early tournaments to implement the third place format. Fans can expect to see highly anticipated matchups between top tier teams who would otherwise exit quietly after a semi final loss.

Looking ahead, ESL continues to expand its global reach. DreamHack, one of its key brands, has already introduced new open CS2 tournaments that offer pathways into the ESL Pro League for rising teams. Additionally, IEM events are scheduled across Brazil, China, the United States, and Poland in 2026, making it one of the most international circuits in esports.

This new format not only elevates the value of each match but also intensifies rivalries and rewards consistency. For players, fans, and organizations, the battle for third now holds weight beyond the trophy. It could be the deciding factor in reaching the biggest stage in Counter Strike.

 

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