First-Round Matchups Announced for ESL Pro League Season 23

The organizers of ESL Pro League Season 23 in Counter-Strike 2 have revealed the seeding and announced the first-round matchups of the opening stage. The championship will be one of the key events at the start of the season and will feature some of the top teams on the global scene.

Several exciting clashes await fans in the first round. PARIVISION will begin their campaign against SemperFi. G2 Esports are set to face Gaimin Gladiators, Astralis will take on Monte, and Team Liquid will battle Passion UA. These matches will kick off the tournament and set the tone for the competition ahead.

The format of ESL Pro League Season 23 will be divided into three stages. The first stage will follow a Swiss system format, with the top eight teams advancing to the second stage. There, they will be joined by eight invited teams. The second stage will also use the Swiss system, and the eight strongest teams will move on to the playoffs.

The decisive stage will be played in a Single Elimination format, where every mistake could result in elimination. The final stage will take place in Stockholm, Sweden.

device and rain’s Team Ranked 131st in VRS

ESL Pro League Season 23 will run from March 1 to March 15, 2026. The total prize pool of the tournament will be $400,000, to be contested by the world’s best CS2 teams.