PGL announce major changes to 2025-2026 CS2 tournaments

PGL, one of the leading esports tournament organisers, have announced significant updates to their Counter-Strike 2 tournament schedule for 2025 and 2026.

These changes, aimed at improving team logistics, enhancing viewer experiences, and raising competitive standards, include venue relocations, a revamped playoff format, and expedited prize pool payouts.

PGL CS2 2025-2026 UPDATE: Key Invite Dates, Innovative Playoffs Format, PGL Prize Pool Payment Date and Locations Update

Read all the details in our blog post: https://t.co/bke89ToiZe#PGLCS2 pic.twitter.com/762QxCS4y1

— PGL (@pglesports) December 10, 2024

The PGL CS2 event originally slated for Buenos Aires, Argentina, has been relocated to Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

The tournament will take place from February 14–23, 2025, culminating in a live audience playoff at the iconic BT Arena.

With numerous European events scheduled around the same time, relocating to Cluj-Napoca minimises travel strain for teams and ensures optimal competitive conditions.

Updated Tournament Schedule

2025 Calendar

• PGL Cluj-Napoca: February 14–23
• PGL Bucharest: April 6–13
• PGL Astana: May 10–18
• PGL Belgrade: October 25–November 2

2026 Calendar

• PGL Cluj-Napoca: February 11–22
• PGL Bucharest: April 2–12
• PGL Astana: May 7–17
• PGL TBD: August 6–16
• PGL TBD: October 1–11
• PGL Belgrade: October 22–November 1

PGL is re-revolutionising their playoffs structure with an expanded eight-team format across all events.

Friday will feature quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals and a showmatch on Saturday.

The third-place decider and a grand final (best-of-five series) will take place on Sunday.

Each PGL event will feature a US$1.25 million prize pool, with updated payouts emphasising higher rewards for third place.

• 1st Place: US$400,000
• 2nd Place: US$187,500
• 3rd Place: US$150,000
• 4th Place: US$87,500
• 5th–8th Place: US$62,500
• 9th–11th Place: US$31,250
• 12th–14th Place: US$18,750
• 15th–16th Place: US$12,500

In an unprecedented move, PGL have committed to distributing prize money within two weeks of an event’s conclusion, provided teams submit invoices on time.

This change addresses delays that often extend up to 15 months in the esports industry.

Enhanced qualifiers

Starting after the 2025 Cluj-Napoca event, PGL will revamp its qualification process.

Open and closed regional qualifiers through Esportal will determine participation.

Invitations will be allocated as follows; 12 spots via Valve Regional Standings, one team each from South America, North America, Europe, and Asia closed qualifiers.

With these updates, PGL aims to redefine the landscape of competitive Counter-Strike.

By focusing on logistics, prize transparency, and audience engagement, PGL is setting new benchmarks for Tier 1 tournaments.

Fans, teams, and industry stakeholders can anticipate a new era of thrilling Counter-Strike competition in 2025 and beyond.

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