ESL has revealed the group schedule for the 20th season of the ESL Pro League.
A total of 32 teams will be divided into four groups of eight teams in the same system that we saw last season. Teams will compete for a prize pool of $750,000 and a spot at IEM Katowice 2025. Teams will only be eliminated after three losses, which opens the door for the favorites to play more relaxed at the start, knowing they can forgive themselves one or even two slip-ups.
At first glance, the groups are relatively balanced, with perhaps a little easier groups B and D, and here is the schedule:
Group A: FaZe Clan, Natus Vincere, Heroic, Eternal Fire, Ninjas in Pajamas, FlyQuest, Sangal, Lynn Vision
Group B: Team Spirit, G2 Esports, The MongolZ, Team 9z, MiBR, 3DMAX, KOI, Wildcard
Group C: MOUZ, Astralis, Complexity, BIG, Fnatic, M80, Imperial, Rooster
Group D: Team Vitality, Virtus.pro, Team Liquid, Falcons, FURIA, ENCE, RED Candis, ATOX
Group A is perhaps the most uncertain on paper, with as many as six teams that have a real chance of fighting for the playoffs, and two outsiders that can surprise. It is certain, if there are no surprises, that we will see another FaZe - Na'Vi derby, the fourth this year, as well as another replay of the Major final.
In group B, Team Spirit and G2 should have the main say along with The MongolZ, and of course all attention will be on G2, who will play in a much new lineup. Team 9z will have a tough task to continue their success from Dallas, and MiBR has the most realistic chance to spoil their playoff run.
In Group C, five teams should fight for the playoffs, while the weakened M80, which has lost its star team, Imperial and Rooster stand out as teams that will hardly be able to match the remaining rivals. Of course, the center of attention will be the two-time current champion MOUZ, who will try to make history and set a hat-trick with the third consecutive title.
In group D, Vitality and Virtus.pro should fight for the first place, Falcons will be waiting for their chance to achieve a slightly better result, while Liquid is completely in question due to the huge changes.
The new ESL Pro League season is scheduled from September 3 to 22.
