View source for News/ESL Katowice to Return

{{News
|seo_title=ESL Katowice to Return
|seo_keywords=ESL
|image=ESL-Logo.png
|tags=ESL, Counter Strike
|date=2025-07-08T09:51:27.000Z
|sources={{NewsSource
|source=Hltv
|url=https://www.hltv.org/news/42125/katowices-spodek-arena-to-host-2026-esl-event
|article=News/ESL Katowice to Return
}}
|author=Andura
|category=More
|game=Counter Strike
|content=ESL has officially announced that Counter-Strike will once again take center stage at the iconic Spodek Arena in Katowice in 2026, marking the return of one of esports’ most legendary venues.

The brief but impactful announcement confirmed that “Counter-Strike is returning to Katowice & the Spodek Arena in 2026,” signaling a significant shift following ESL’s earlier decision to relocate IEM Katowice to Krakow for future editions. While the nature of the 2026 Spodek event hasn’t been explicitly stated, fans are already speculating on what role the arena will play in ESL’s tournament calendar.

The Spodek Arena has long been synonymous with top-tier Counter-Strike, hosting numerous editions of IEM Katowice, often considered one of ESL’s two crown-jewel events alongside IEM Cologne. Its return to ESL’s event circuit suggests a continued commitment to live, arena-based competition in the heart of Poland.

As the 2026 calendar begins to take shape, ESL has already outlined most of its planned events. IEM Krakow is set for January, followed by IEM Brazil in April, IEM USA in May, and IEM China closing the year in November. However, two key events still lack confirmed venues: ESL Pro League Season 23 in March and another major tournament slated for late September into October, which is expected to be ESL Pro League Season 24.

Earlier, ESL had revealed its intent to host the playoffs of Season 23 "in front of a live audience in an arena environment in Europe." Given the timing and location, the Spodek Arena now stands as a strong candidate to host that event, though ESL has not yet confirmed which tournament the Katowice return will feature.

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}}