ESL FACEIT Group has announced the Spodek Arena in Katowice, Poland will host the ESL Pro League Season 24 Finals in 2026.
The return to the venue comes after the event organiser decided to move its Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Katowice event to Kraków in 2026.
Taking place from October 9th to 11th, 2026, the event is part of ESL’s ambitions to return ESL Pro League’s Playoffs to a ‘live arena environment.’
The event organiser says returning to the Spodek Arena is part of a “mutual understanding” with the city of Katowice, with both parties aiming to extend its partnership to host more events in the future.
“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,” said Marc Winther, Director of Game Ecosystems – Counter-Strike, at ESL FACEIT Group.
“Katowice is the birthplace of dozens of champions, and Spodek Arena has witnessed countless iconic moments over the years. With its storied history and inimitable atmosphere, there’s no better place for our fans to enjoy the thrill of ESL Pro League.”
The return of ESL Pro League to an arena marks the first time in seven years since the Playoffs took place in a large-scale venue. In 2019, the Playoffs of ESL Pro League Season 10 took place at the Jyske Bank Arena in Odense, Denmark.
ESL Counter-Strike In 2026
A return to Katowice marks the latest chapter in ESL’s plans for Counter-Strike esports in 2026.
In addition to Pro League taking place at the Spodek Arena and IEM heading to Krakow, it has confirmed IEM events will take place in Brazil, the United States, and China.
Alongside several IEM events taking place across the world, ESL will host the first CS2 Major of the 2026 season with IEM Cologne 2026. The Major will be the first time the Lanxess Arena has hosted the event since 2016.
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