ESL recently revealed its plans for the fall. The twelfth season of the ESL Pro League will begin in September, with the possibility of a return to LAN matches being considered. Representatives of the tournaments' organizer say they are closely monitoring the health care situation. They hope that by the time the competition begins, players will be able to travel safely without significant restrictions and games will be played in the studio. Twenty-four teams divided into four groups will have to participate. However, if foreign travel restrictions remain in place, the tournament will be held in the already tried-and-true online format with a division into regions – Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania and South America.
Regardless of the format, 24 teams are expected to participate. Invitations have already been extended to the Renegades, Sharks and Boom, who missed the eleventh season due to the coronavirus pandemic. By agreement, they were retained a place in the league. Eleven partner teams will also be included. The remaining places will be distributed according to the results of qualifying competitions, which will be held in all regions. Teams that previously moved to the Mountain Dew League because of the decision to reduce the number of Pro League participants from 48 to 24 will have the opportunity to qualify again.
