ESL and GamingMalta, a non-profit foundation set up by the government of Malta and by the Malta Gaming Authority, have been able to agree on an extension to their strategic partnership until 2021 to develop Maltese esports community.
Malta will once again be the host location for the entirety of the ESL Pro League in 2021. Even though the 2020 season, ESL Pro League Season 12, will be held online, there are some hopes that 2021 will be the year to return to in-arena tournaments.
Season 12 will run from the 1st of September with 36 Counter-Strike: Global Offensive teams competing in five regions: Europe, North America, South America, Oceania and Asia. Europe has the largest prize pool at USD 450,000, followed by North America at USD 225,000. The other regions will play for USD 25,000 each.
The following teams are confirmed to play at ESL Pro League Season 12:
Europe: Astralis, BIG, Complexity, ENCE, FaZe Clan, fnatic, G2 Esports, GODSENT, Heroic, mousesports, Natus Vincere, Ninjas in Pyjamas, OG, Team Spirit, Team Vitality and X-KOM AGO.
North America: 100 Thieves, Evil Geniuses, FURIA, Team Liquid and Triumph. Three spots are TBD.
South America: BOOM, Isurus and Sharks, with one TBD.
Oceania: AVANT, Chiefs, ORDER and Renegades.
Asia: Beyond, Invictus, TYLOO and Vici.
