Here’s the thing: after years of calling Spodek Arena home, ESL is pulling a last-minute U-turn and bringing Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) back to Katowice in 2026. The announcement went out on social media July 7, 2025, just as ESL moved the prestigious IEM Katowice tournament to Kraków, Poland, for January 2026.
IEM Katowice has been a staple on the CS2 stage since 2013, with 2025’s edition drawing massive viewership and awarding a hefty US $1.25 million prize pool. Now, while the core IEM circuit reroutes to Kraków starting January 27– February 8, 2026, ESL’s “surprise return” hints that Katowice isn’t being entirely left behind.
What’s up for grabs in Katowice remains murky. ESL hasn’t clarified which CS2 event will take place in the Spodek Arena, but speculations point to it possibly hosting part of ESL Pro League Season 23 or another major event toward the end of September. ESL previously mentioned Season 23 will be held in “an arena environment in Europe” – and whose arena screams legacy louder than Spodek?
Here’s the bigger picture: ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) is heavily investing in CS2 through 2026. Its 2026 calendar already features IEM events in Brazil (April 13–19), the US (May 11–17), and China (November 2–8), each boasting US $1 million prize pools. Add the Kraków date and this new Katowice return, and ESL is shaping a globally stacked calendar.
What this really means is ESL is balancing tradition with expansion, honoring the CS community’s love for Katowice while growing its global footprint. It’s a clever move: Katowice brings emotional resonance and fan loyalty, while new cities expand brand exposure and sponsorships.