ESL to fund its own Counter-Strike major to the tune of $250,000

ESL is building its own Counter-Strike: Global Offensive major.

What ESL is calling the “world’s largest Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” tournament will take place in the LANXESS arena in Cologne, Germany on Aug. 22 and 23. The 15,000 seat stadium will host the fourth $250,000 Counter-Strike tournament run by ESL over the past two years. 

But unlike those previous events, this tournament’s prize pool is funded by the ESL itself, rather than community contributions. That’s “proof of the company’s dedication to the game’s esports development,” says Managing Director of Pro Gaming at ESL, Ulrich Schulze.

“ESL One Cologne is going to be the largest Counter-Strike: Global Offensive event in the world,” Schulze says. “Taking place in the biggest indoor arena in Germany, we’re sure it’ll be a massive hit for fans from all over.”

Sixteen teams will compete at the event, with information on the qualification process to be determined. Ticket sales will begin on Feb. 23.

If you’re looking for your Counter-Strike fix a bit sooner than August, though, the next ESL One event hits Katowice on Mar. 12-15.