ESL is hosting a 2026 CS2 event in Katowice after all, but no one quite knows what’s happening

ESL has stated that it will be hosting a 2026 CS2 event in Katowice after all, after previously stating that the IEM Katowice tournaments will be moving to Kraków from next year. The move comes as a big surprise, given previous comments, although fans will certainly welcome the opportunity to return to the Spodek Arena for another year of Counter-Strike action.

ESL’s Katowice announcement keeps it vague

In a post on X, ESL announced that Katowice will play host to a CS2 event in 2026. The post was pretty vague, leaving fans to speculate about what event it will actually be. An IEM Katowice feels unlikely, given the fuss made by the tournament organizer about moving the event to Kraków moving forward.

When one journey ends. Another begins.

Counter-Strike is returning to Katowice & the Spodek Arena in 2026. pic.twitter.com/aVD4ZIKcu1

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) July 7, 2025

If not an IEM CS2 event, then what? Right now, an ESL Pro League feels like the most likely solution. ESL has already committed to a return to stage Playoffs, starting with Season 23, and Katowice feels like the perfect host. It’s an iconic Counter-Strike location that will be disappointed to lose out to Kraków, but this is a great way to keep that feeling alive into the future. Realistically, IEM Katowice’s status had long outgrown the Spodek Arena’s capacity, but an ESL Pro League event there would be a good fit.

We reached out to ESL for comment. In a statement regarding the event, ESL said:

We’re excited to confirm that an esports event will be returning to the legendary Spodek Arena in Katowice. The city holds a special place in the hearts of esports fans worldwide, and we’re thrilled to deliver another world-class experience in Spodek. Stay tuned as more details will be announced very soon.