ESL will return to an eight-team playoff in 2027

ESL is changing the format of its tournaments: starting from 2027, all playoffs will again be held with an eight-team bracket and only in an arena in front of a live audience

The new model will start with IEM Krakow 2027. Due to the expansion of the playoff bracket, instead of the usual lower-bracket finals and seeding matches, two additional matches will appear, but the organizer has not yet revealed the detailed format.

In the first stage of IEM Krakow 2027, there will be four Wildcard invites. ESL emphasizes that they will be used rarely. The idea is to allow top teams to change their roster after a Major, losing the old core of three players, but without having to start their journey "from scratch."

The $1,250,000 prize pool has been redistributed: it is now more top-heavy. In the groups, the amounts have been slightly simplified — 9th–12th places will receive $20,000 instead of $23,000, and 17th–20th — $5,000 instead of $4,500.

Krakow 2027
1st: $500,000
2nd: $240,000
3rd: $130,000
4th: $70,000
5-8th: $40,000

Krakow 2026
1st: $460,000
2nd: $216,000
3rd: $131,000
4th: $85,000
5-6th: $61,000
7-8th: $38,000

ESL also promises to bring the Pro Tour to three new esports capitals on three continents by the end of 2027. The eighth major event will be the previously announced Esports World Cup.

The 2027 season will begin with the second IEM Krakow at the end of January. The ESL Pro League format will revert to Season 24.

The Annual Club Incentive package will be $10,450,000 and can grow to $12,450,000 together with the Grand Slam. For comparison, PGL offers $11,000,000, and BLAST — $10,000,000. When calculating bonuses, not only the group stage is now taken into account, but also playoff viewership, which benefits strong seeds.

ESL schedule for 2027:
IEM Krakow: Jan 27 - Feb 7
EPL S25: March 4-14
ESL #3: April 3-11
ESL #4: May 1-9
EWC: July 16 - Aug 1
ESL #5: August 2-15
EPL S26: Sep 23 - Oct 3
ESL #7: Oct 30 - Nov 7