ESL Challenger Season 40 is finally here. Five regions compete for three guaranteed spots into ESL Pro League Conference S16 and a share of $150,000 in prize funds.
The intent of the ESL Challenger is two fold. First of all, it is to allow aspiring teams to get a shot at the tier 1 CS. Secondly, it is to develop teams in order to strengthen the scene as a whole. More tournaments such as this have been popping up as people have realized that the scene needs to foster young talent.
The tournament is divided into two stages: Group Stage and Playoffs.
The Group Stage will consist of four groups of four teams in a GSL group format, playing best of 3 series. The top two teams form each group advance to Playoffs. The Playoffs will also be Best of 3s, in a double-elimination bracket.
ESL Challenger Season 40 will take place from January 25th through April 3rd, 2022. The full weekly schedule can be seen here. Winners in North America and Europe will get $20,000USD, an EPL Conference. The 2nd and 3rd place will get $11,500 and $7000 respectively.
In tournaments passed, these leagues had more teams and they all had to qualify. The seeding for the winners was different as well. There were also teams participating after having been relegated from the bigger leagues. Overall, the tournament structure has been cleaned up immensely. With a more streamlined tournament over the course of a few days taking its place.
The event is now called ESL Challenger League, a change from ESEA Premier League coming after ESL and ESEA announced their new partnership in early 2022.
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