CS2: Katowice’s Spodek Arena to host ESL Pro League S24 playoffs

The ESL FACEIT Group have confirmed that the ESL Pro League (EPL) Season 24 playoffs will take place at the iconic Spodek Arena in Katowice, Poland, from October 9–11, 2026. It will mark the first time since 2019 that EPL playoffs have been held in a live arena, restoring the electrifying in-person atmosphere fans have been craving.

A cornerstone of Counter-Strike since 2013, the Spodek Arena has hosted some of the game’s most legendary moments, and its return as an EPL venue underscores Katowice’s reputation as one of the world’s premier esports hubs. The full EPL Season 24 will run from September 24 to October 11, 2026, featuring a US$1,000,000 prize pool and the coveted championship trophy.

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Marcin Krupa, Mayor of Katowice, called the move a “sign of trust and recognition,” adding that “Counter-Strike history will be written once again in our city, with the best players and thousands of fans from around the world.” Marc Winther, Director of Game Ecosystems – Counter-Strike at ESL FACEIT Group, echoed the sentiment: “Katowice is the birthplace of champions, and Spodek’s atmosphere is unmatched. There’s no better place for fans to feel the thrill of ESL Pro League live.”

The last arena-hosted EPL playoffs took place in Odense, Denmark, in 2019, with previous editions also held in Montpellier, Dallas, and São Paulo. The return to Katowice follows ESL’s decision to move Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Katowice to Kraków in 2026, but the event organizer says the Spodek partnership will continue, with plans to host more competitions there in the future.

EPL’s arena comeback is part of a bigger year for ESL’s Counter-Strike 2 circuit. In addition to the Katowice finals, IEM events will be staged in Brazil, the United States, and China. ESL will also host the first CS2 Major of the 2026 season at IEM Cologne — the first time the Lanxess Arena has welcomed a Major since 2016.