Looking for the latest scoop on the ESL Pro League Season 18? Your search ends right here. The high-octane action returns to Malta for another exciting month of riveting esports action, where 32 Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) pro teams battle for supremacy and a share of $850,000.
The EPL Season 18 is set to dazzle esports enthusiasts, keeping fans at the edge of their seats from the get-go. Here’s everything you need to know about the ESL Pro League Season 18, including how to watch the matches and predictions on which team will emerge victorious.
What is the ESL Pro League Season 18?
The ESL Pro League (or “EPL”) Season 18 is the 18th consecutive professional esports league co-produced by ESL and ESEA. The series will host 32 of the best CS:GO teams in the world, spanning four regions: Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania.
The league started in May 2015 and has matured into a prestigious global competition, giving rookies a chance to emerge as global titans. The ESL Pro League Season 18 will run from Aug. 30 through Oct. 1, boasting a prize pool of $850,000.
This year, EPL will return to the beautiful archipelago of Malta, retaining its vibrant, competitive spirit as esports enthusiasts cheer on their favorite CS:GO teams battling for the ultimate glory.
Where to Watch the ESL Pro League Season 18?
Want to stay on top of the action? Of course, you do. You can watch your favorite CS:GO teams square off by streaming the ESL Pro League Season 18 games on Twitch, YouTube, and ESL TV.
The best part? Simulcasts of the livestreams will be available in various languages, including Russian, Portuguese, German, and Spanish. Miss a live broadcast? Don’t sweat it. You can find recordings of all the matches on the ESL Counter-Strike YouTube channel.
How to Buy Tickets for the ESL Pro League Season 18?
Tickets to attend the ESL Pro League Season 18 Playoffs are not yet available. But don’t worry. Your chance to watch the electrifying action unfold from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 is on the horizon. Both single-day (10 €) and full three-day (25 €) passes will be available for purchase.
In anticipation, you should arrange your travel and accommodation ahead of time. Bookmark the ESL Pro League ticket page and stay ready to secure your ticket as soon as sales kick off. That way, you can secure a seat at the heart of the CS:GO action (18+ to enter).
Place Your Bets on the ESL Pro League Season 18
Don’t just be a spectator. Be a part of the action! Thunderpick is the premier destination to bet on premier league matches like ESL Pro League Season 18. The best part? Wagering on your favorite CS:GO teams could not be easier.
Picture this: GamerLegion is clashing heads with Vitality on Inferno. Think that ZywOo will clutch the game? It’s simple. Deposit any eligible cryptocurrency like Bitcoin or Ethereum. Choose a bet and add it to your betting slip. Set the stake and wait for the result to cash in your winnings.
ESL Pro League Season 18: Teams
This year, the ESL Pro League Season 18 has attracted a fantastic mix of gaming powerhouses, emerging talents, and passionate underdogs. Let’s get to know them:
Partner Teams
- Astralis
- BIG
- MOUZ
- Complexity
- ENCE
- Evil Geniuses
- FaZe Clan
- Fnatic
- Furia
- G2 Esports
- Heroic
- Natus Vincere
- Ninjas In Pyjamas
- Team Liquid
- Team Vitality
Non-Partner Teams
Other contenders have qualified through various other tournaments:
- Monte (ECL S44 Europe)
- MIBR (ECL S44 North America)
- Lynn Vision (ECL S44 Asia)
- Movistar Riders (ESL Challenger Melbourne)
- APEKS (ECL S45 Europe)
- M80 (ECL S45 North America)
- Rare Atom (ECL S45 Asia)
- Grayhound.Rivalry (ESL NC ANZ)
- Virtus.Pro (ESL Challenger Katowice)
- Imperial Esports (ESL NC Brazil)
- Eternal Fire (ESL NC Europe)
- ORKS (ESL NC Europe)
- 9z Team (EPL South America Qualifier)
- Rooster (EPL ANZ Qualifier)
- Cloud9 (ESL World Rankings)
- Gamer Legion (ESL World Rankings)
- 9ine (ESL World Rankings)
ESL Pro League Season 18: Format
The tournament will be split into two stages: Group Stage and Playoffs. You can learn more about each of them below.
Group Stage: Aug. 30 – Sept. 24
ESL Pro League Season 18 will kick off with the Group Stage. The event features four groups of eight teams, each clash in an intense triple-elimination bracket. Each match is played as a best-of-three. The top four teams in each group will advance to the Playoffs.
The team that places 1st in each group will advance directly to the Quarterfinals; the runner-ups will move to Round 12, while the 3rd- and 4th-placing teams will seed in Round 16. All other teams will be eliminated from the tournament.
Playoffs: Sept. 26 – Oct. 1
The Playoffs is a single-elimination bracket. Like before, all matches will be played as a best-of-three, apart from the Grand Final, which is a best-of-five. The 16 teams from the Group Stage will face off for the coveted title of ESL Pro League Season 18 champions.
But that’s not all. The winner will take home $200,000 in prize money and qualify for the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Katowice 2024 and BLAST World Final 2023.
Who Will Win the ESL Pro League Season 18?
Good question! While it’s difficult to pinpoint who will win the EPL Season 18, the current CS:GO World Ranking and recent performances give a strong nod to HEROIC, Team Vitality, and FaZe Clan. And it’s no wonder. These teams aren’t just good; they’re titans in the Counter-Strike arena.
It’s no shock, then, that they boast an impressive track record. That said, you’ll be wise to stay ahead of the curve by following these teams closely throughout the season. When Thunderpick unveils its ESL Pro League Season 18 predictions, you can expect them to headline the betting odds.
