ESL Pro League Season 23 invited teams revealed as Vitality and Falcons skip out

ESL Pro League Season 23 has revealed its full list of invited teams, with big names Falcons and Vitality opting to skip out of the event. As part of the ESL Pro Tour and ESL Grand Slam, it’s somewhat surprising to see two of the best CS2 teams in the world skip out on the premier event, which is set to mark the first ESL Pro League event back with stage Playoffs in years.

Vitality and Falcons skip out on ESL Pro League S23 in Stockholm

Between March 1st and 15th, we’ll see 24 teams go head-to-head in Stockholm, Sweden, to fight for bragging rights to become the next ESL Pro League champion for Season 23. Notably, Vitality were winners of both S21 and S22, but have opted not to defend their title for a threepeat. Falcons are the other notable absentees, and it’s not clear as to why either team has chosen not to play the tournament.

Lynn Vision are also absent, replaced by FUT after their invite was rescinded following last-minute visa issues prior to ESL Pro League Season 22. Their withdrawal from that event ensured their ban from the next eligible ESL tournament, as per ESLs rules.

ESL Pro League Season 23 Stage 2 Invites

• FURIA
• Spirit
• NAVI
• MOUZ
• FaZe Clan
• The MongolZ
• Aurora
• B8

ESL Pro League Season 23 Stage 1 Invites

• Legacy
• G2
• Team Liquid
• 3DMAX
• Astralis
• HEROIC
• paiN Gaming
• FUT
• Ninjas in Pyjamas
• Passsion UA
• PARIVISION
• NRG
• Gaimin Gladiators
• SemperFi
• M80
• Monte