Ahead of the start of the second season in 2026, ESL has prepared an updated version of the tournament rules, taking into account the experience gained during the first half of the year, feedback from participants, and the necessary adjustments for the continued operation of the competition.
The organizers have consolidated all previous versions of the rules into a single, centralized document, which should make the tournament regulation system clearer and more user-friendly for teams. In addition, ESL has implemented a series of structural changes aimed at improving match organization and coordination among all parties involved in the competition.
Among the key updates are revisions to the requirements for sponsor integrations and team branding, as well as changes to the rules regarding participants’ arrival and departure dates. The new provisions are intended to give teams more flexibility when planning trips and participating in offline tournaments.
ESL has also added new provisions governing the conduct of team staff, the role of additional representatives, player seating arrangements, and the organization of match schedules at LAN events. Some changes affected the ESL Challenger League—the competition rules have been adapted to the league’s updated format and now allow for substitutions in future seasons.
Major Changes Ahead of the 2026 Second Season
One of the major updates was the extension of the period during which VAC bans are taken into account —they will now remain in effect for five years instead of the previous two. The organizers have also tightened penalties for withdrawing from offline events: a team that withdraws after confirming its participation may be banned from the next tournament of the same level. If three or more players from that roster transfer to another organization, the sanction may follow them.
A separate set of changes pertains to sponsors and team branding. ESL has banned the use of third-party logos and visual elements in team names or emblems unless those brands are official title partners. Additionally, sponsors are not permitted to interact with in-game items in Valve products. In cases where a particular brand cannot be represented due to legal or platform restrictions, teams will be required to prepare an alternative name and design, which must be approved by ESL.
The organizers have also updated the rules regarding online competitions, qualifiers, and the ESL Challenger League. Teams that withdraw after the deadline may lose the right to compete in the next similar event. Bans on receiving invitations will now last for a maximum of 18 months, and winners of the ESL Challenger League seasonal cups will have the opportunity to compete for a spot in the ESL Pro League through a regional final. If a single team wins multiple cups in a season, the additional spots will be awarded to other participants based on their results and VRS ranking.