By ESL
See how the next major will be played out and when the group stages will take place.
The currently running offline qualifier for ESL One Cologne will determine the eight Challenger teams which will join the Legends at LANXESS Arena to fight for the next major championship. As the teams battle it out in Katowice, we are happy to announce the main tournament format and the dates of the group stage for Cologne.
Format
At ESL One Cologne 2016 the teams will clash from July 5th-10th, delivering six days packed with CS:GO action. While the group stage will be played off public on the first three days (5th to 7th), the playoffs will take to the stage at LANXESS arena in front of thousands of fans.
The group stage:
From the 5th to 7th of June, four groups of four will see two teams each advancing to the playoffs. While the opener, winners and losers matches will all be played in the best of one format, the deciders will be played as a best of three series.
The playoffs at LANXESS arena:
The best eight teams from the groups will compete from the 8th to 10th of July in the LANXESS arena. Those advancing from the initial 16 teams will face off in a single elimination bracket. Seven Best-of-three series’ will make up the main stage matches in the arena and we will find out who will claim the title of Major champion, and the lion’s share of the US$1,000,000 prize pool.
See you in Cologne!
The world’s best teams, thousands of roaring fans and the most prestigious title on the line – don’t miss ESL One Cologne and join us for all the thrilling action! We are close to selling out tickets for the event, so be sure to secure yourself one of the remaining tickets.
For people wanting to enjoy the games on Thursday, the final matches of the groups, together with other fans, there is a viewing party at the ESL One Camp. ESL One campers can join this for free, while an open sale will start soon at just €5.