ESL, the world’s largest independent esports brand, has a newly established Counter-Strike: Global Offensive league system to close the gap between competitive matchmaking and fully professional leagues. Open to players of all skill levels, gamers advance through ‘Open’ and ‘Major’ competition for a chance to compete in the US$48,000 ‘Pro’ competition season with world renowned teams. Pro competition also offers the opportunity to qualify for ESL One tournaments.

Those who enjoy Counter-Strike: Global Offensive casually will find competitive matchmaking opportunities in ESL’s Open tournaments. Acting as an entry point for players of all ability levels, this level of play holds an unlimited number of teams and opportunities for esports beginners.

Players looking to step up their game and compete on a higher level can qualify themselves for the ESL ‘Major’ tournament system, which features 32 teams hoping to become future esports stars. There is US$2,000 on the line for amateur competitors, with qualification for ESL’s ‘Pro’ leagues available for top performers.

The Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Pro leagues hold sixteen players, of which eight will be invited based on success in Valve community funded tournaments. Top tier players will compete in offline finals for the title multiple times a year. All information including a breakdown of extras offered, such as an ESL Fantasy component for Pro play, can be found on the competition’s dedicated website.