ESL introduces third-place matches in tournaments

Tournament organizer ESL has announced a significant format change. Beginning with Season 22 of the ESL Pro League—kicking off on September 27—all Tier 1 and Wildcard events will feature dedicated third-place matches.

ESL confirmed that the new rules apply to already announced events: ESL Pro League Season 22, IEM Chengdu 2025, and IEM Kraków 2026. Each will now include best-of-three bronze medal matches held on Sunday before the grand final, replacing traditional exhibition games and raising the stakes for every team. This change reflects the evolving competitive landscape, where Valve Regional Standings points are crucial for Major invitations. ESL noted that formal third-place matches meet modern requirements and drive teams to fight for every position.

Prize pools have been adjusted to reflect the new format. Winners will earn substantial bonuses, with extra club rewards earmarked for third-place finishers. Each event’s total prize pool will reach $1,000,000, with a payout structure designed to incentivize competition through to the final round.

Fans—both online and on-site—will now get to watch two decisive matches on Sunday, adding momentum to the final day. This move aligns with PGL’s early-2025 adoption of similar matches and underscores the trend toward strengthening competitive spirit.

Valve may block CS:Legacy over IP violations