EPL will have NA and EU Champions and new groups in Season 11

ESL Pro League makes competitive Counter-Strike: Global Offensive history with Season 11, implementing an unprecedented dual-champion system that fundamentally alters traditional esports tournament structures. This strategic pivot responds directly to global travel restrictions while maintaining competitive integrity across regions.

The league’s restructuring into four distinct regional groups represents a calculated approach to pandemic-era competition management. By creating separate European and North American competitive bubbles, ESL effectively minimizes coronavirus transmission risks that would otherwise threaten team participation and event continuity.

This format evolution continues ESL’s ongoing transformation of Pro League, building upon Season 9’s LAN format transition and 2020’s franchise league implementation. The regional separation ensures competitive CS:GO continues uninterrupted despite global health challenges.

EPL Season 11 to Have Two Grand Finals

Season 11 introduces a revolutionary competitive framework where two separate ESL Pro League champions will be crowned simultaneously in 2020. This structural shift means North American and European teams will compete in completely separate tournament tracks without cross-regional matches.

The cancellation of Denver finals due to COVID-19 spread necessitated this innovative approach. Rather than postponing competition indefinitely, ESL engineered a solution that preserves the league’s competitive calendar while prioritizing participant safety.

This bifurcated championship model creates unique competitive dynamics. Teams now pursue regional supremacy rather than global dominance within the Pro League context, though international competition continues through other tournament circuits.

Separate grand finals for each region ensure that both competitive ecosystems receive appropriate recognition and coverage. The dual champion approach maintains fan engagement across time zones while reducing the logistical complexities of international competition during pandemic conditions.

The European qualification system employs a sophisticated multi-stage approach. Group winners automatically advance to playoff group stages, while second and third-place teams battle through decider matches for the three remaining playoff positions.

North America’s competitive structure differs significantly, utilizing a compact double-elimination bracket format. With only four teams competing, this creates intense elimination pressure from the tournament’s outset.

Grand finals in both regions will feature best-of-five series, ensuring championship matches test comprehensive team capabilities across multiple maps and strategies.

ESL’s reseeding of original Pro League groups maintains competitive balance despite the regional separation. The tournament organizer’s commitment to preserving “the schedule and groups as consistent as possible with the previously announced version” demonstrates thoughtful adaptation rather than wholesale restructuring.

New Groups Revealed for ESL Pro League’s S11

Group A

Group A showcases elite European Counter-Strike with Astralis and Vitality positioned as clear favorites. Their strategic depth and championship experience create a formidable top tier that will challenge any opponents.

Ninjas in Pyjamas and ENCE form a dangerous middle tier capable of upsetting the established hierarchy. GODSENT and ENCE round out the group, though their inconsistent performances make them unpredictable dark horses.

Group B

This group features explosive potential with Natus Vincere and Fnatic leading the charge. Both teams possess the firepower and tactical flexibility to dominate group play.

Complexility, forZe, North, and BIG Clan complete the lineup, with BIG replacing Heroic following the organization’s sale to FunPlus Phoenix and subsequent move to Flashpoint tournament circuit.

Group C

The Americas group presents a compelling North American showdown. Team Liquid and Evil Geniuses enter as regional powerhouses with established rivalries and championship pedigrees.

100 Thieves and FURIA bring distinctive styles that could disrupt conventional strategies. The recent addition of Swole Patrol and one final TBA team adds additional competitive variables.

Group D

Group D combines recent championship success with rising contenders. EPL Season 10 champions Mousesports and G2 Esports claim top positions, with G2 riding momentum from their impressive IEM Katowice performance.

FaZe Clan and developing roster OG present serious challenges to the established order, while TYLOO and Virtus.Pro complete this balanced European group.

Season 11 of ESL Pro League maintains its scheduled March 16 start date despite the extensive format changes. This demonstrates ESL’s operational resilience and commitment to delivering consistent competitive programming.

The regional group format creates concentrated rivalries and storylines that develop more rapidly than in traditional international formats. Regional pride and bragging rights become immediate competitive drivers.

For viewers, this structure offers more predictable scheduling and reduced time zone challenges. North American fans can focus on their regional competition while European viewers enjoy their own dedicated championship pursuit.

This innovative approach to pandemic-era esports may establish new standards for tournament organization during global disruptions. The success of this model could influence how other leagues approach regional competition structures in future seasons.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » EPL will have NA and EU Champions and new groups in Season 11 ESL Pro League Season 11 introduces dual champions and regional groups for competitive CS:GO