DreamHack launches open CS2 competition with ESL Pro League qualification

DreamHack has announced it has launched DreamHack Knockout, an open Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) tournament open to players of all skill levels.

Taking place at the gaming and esports festival’s Atlanta and Stockholm events, the tournament offers competitors a path to qualify for ESL Pro League Season 23.

DreamHack Atlanta, taking place from October 31st to November 2nd, will be open to 32 teams and feature a $10,000 (~£7,422) prize pool.

The Stockholm event, occurring from November 28th to 30th, is open to 128 teams and will also see players competing for a $10,000 prize.

The tournament is open to all attendees who have purchased a BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer) ticket, whether players are amateurs or professionals.

“This is what DreamHack is all about, we’re levelling the playing field,” said Shahin Zarrabi, Vice President of Festivals at ESL FACEIT Group. “Nothing matters except bringing your computer, showing your skill, and rising to fame. No bells and whistles, just raw and unfettered competition.”

The winners of each DreamHack Knockout tournament will earn a place in the online stage of ESL Pro League Season 23, starting in February 2026.

In addition to DreamHack Knockout winners booking a place in the ESL Pro League, teams competing in the European, American, Asian, and Oceanian ESL Challenger League will also qualify, along with teams from the January 26th, 2026, VRS rankings.

With the majority of Counter-Strike tournaments using the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) to determine which teams compete for a chance to become champion, offering the community an open qualification path to the Pro League significantly improves accessibility to one of the largest leagues in the world.

With Valve putting an increased focus on its ranking system, providing more chances for amateur teams to climb up the ladder is a positive for the lower tiers of Counter-Strike esports.