by ESL announced that the ESL Challenger will return to its previous home, Australia, with a prize pool that has been set at $100,000, which will be shared amongst the best-performing teams at the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive tournament.
“Aussies, get ready to make some noise again next April 28–30. ESL Challenger Melbourne is returning live to @DreamHack Melbourne next year!” the organizer announced.
ESL has been known for organizing CS: GO tournaments in Australia, hence this revelation did not come as a surprise. The organizer noted the ESL Challenger, which is the 52nd iteration, will be held at Rod Laver Avenue in Melbourne and is scheduled to run from April 28 to April 30, 2022.
The CS: GO event organizer also announced that other perks that come with the $100,000 prize pool include a spot for the winners of the tournament in the 18th season of the ESL Pro League Conference.
This event will have eight European teams competing in the A-tier tournament. Current sponsors of the tournament include technology brand Intel, logistics company DHL, Monster Energy, and 1XBET.
The tournament is structured into a group stage and a playoff stage. The former will have two double-elimination format groups with four teams each. The opening and winners’ matches will be played in Bo1, while the elimination and decider matches will be in Bo3. The two top teams will proceed to the playoff stage, where all matches will be in Bo3.
ESL has promised a worthwhile experience at the tournament. This year saw paiN Gaming emerge as the winner of the tournament; hence, to witness the team that will toil through to first place, Fans are expected to purchase their ticket for the event on DreamHack’s official website starting from December 12.
