ESL Pro League Season 18 stays with CS:GO despite CS2 launch

ESL Pro League Season 18 will continue to take place in the familiar territory of CS:GO, defying the allure of the shiny new CS2.

In light of CS2’s release, the gaming community had been eagerly awaiting news about whether ESL Pro League Season 18, initially planned as a CS:GO event, would transition to CS2 for its playoffs. ESL had previously indicated its willingness to adapt to players’ preferences. However, following the official release of CS2, ESL has now provided a clear stance on the matter.

#ESLProLeague Season 18 will continue to feature CS:GO 👇

Stay tuned for more updates on how CS2 will affect the #ESLProTour! pic.twitter.com/jIXG6jYV2J

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) September 27, 2023

 

Despite the much-anticipated arrival of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), the ESL Pro League remains firmly rooted in CS:GO, staying true to its competitive values and the ongoing tournament’s integrity. The announcement, made by ESL on September 27, confirms that CS:GO will be the chosen battleground for ESL Pro League Season 18 until its conclusion.

Why ESL is not shifting to CS2 for Pro League Season 18?

This decision, while pragmatic, aligns with a well-established strategy frequently employed by leading tournament organizers. When confronted with significant gameplay updates coinciding with or preceding major esports events, organizers often tread carefully, sticking with the current game version rather than embracing the latest changes outright.

1. Competitive Integrity: Esports thrives on a level playing field. Allowing teams and players adequate time to adapt to gameplay shifts is imperative to maintain the essence of fair competition. A sudden shift to a new update could tilt the scales, favoring those quicker to adjust.

2. Player Proficiency: Players and teams spend months honing their skills and strategies on a specific version of the game. A sudden switch to a new version can feel like rewriting the rulebook, unsettling teams and players who have invested extensive time and effort into mastering the existing mechanics.

3. Broadcasting and Viewership: From a broadcasting and production perspective, consistency is key. Running a tournament on a well-established game version ensures that production crews, commentators, and viewers are well-acquainted with the gameplay, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable viewing experience. Swift changes to the game can disrupt broadcasts and confuse viewers.

ESL’s steadfast commitment to CS:GO throughout ESL Pro League Season 18 underscores their dedication to preserving competitive norms and standards. It also highlights the industry’s recognition of the importance of stability in the fast-paced world of esports.

The debut of CS2, marking a fresh chapter in the Counter-Strike saga, had stoked excitement among fans who wondered if ESL Pro League Season 18 would transition to the new game for its playoffs. Yet, ESL’s unwavering loyalty to CS:GO sends a potent message about the significance of established protocols in the fiercely competitive realm of esports.

As CS2 finds its footing in the competitive scene, ESL remains watchful, ensuring that any transition is done with the utmost care, preserving the essence of competitive Counter-Strike.

Header: ESL