ESL Pro League Season 23 Finals Set for Return to Stockholm in Pursuit of $1 Million Grand Slam
The ESL Pro League (EPL) Season 23 Finals are gearing up to deliver high level and intense Counter-Strike 2 action, with the champion earning a crucial point toward the prestigious ESL Grand Slam and its massive $1,000,000 bonus.
Organized by ESL FACEIT Group, the Finals will take place live at Stockholm’s Annexet arena from March 13 to 15, 2026. This marks a long awaited return to the Swedish capital for EPL playoffs, the first since 2019.
Tournament Format and Stakes
Eight elite CS2 squads will battle in a single elimination bracket, featuring best of three matches throughout, culminating in a best of five Grand Final. The total prize pool stands at $275,000 USD, with the bulk going to the victor alongside the Season 23 trophy and that vital Grand Slam point.
The road to Stockholm begins online on February 27, 2026, with 24 teams competing in Stage 1 and Stage 2 to determine the playoff qualifiers.
Unpacking the ESL Grand Slam
The ESL Grand Slam is the ultimate prize in CS2, $1 million awarded to the first team to win four S-tier ESL events. EPL Season 23 Finals counts as one such event, making every map count.
Currently, three teams hold points:
- Team Vitality: Victories at IEM Dallas 2025 and EPL Season 22 Finals.
- Team Spirit: IEM Cologne 2025 champions.
- FURIA: IEM Chengdu 2025 winners.
Why Stockholm?
Stockholm’s deep roots in Counter Strike history make it a fitting host. Fans will pack the Annexe after years away from arena EPL Finals.
Looking Ahead
EFG has also confirmed EPL Season 24 Finals for October 9-11, 2026, at Poland’s iconic Spodek Arena in Katowice.
Stay tuned for team announcements, qualifiers, and more CS2 updates as the race to Stockholm as the Grand Slam heats up.
Since: October 29, 2025
