- ESL Pro League Season 23 overview
- Why Vitality and Falcons skip Season 23
- Format changes: Online Stage 1 and what it means
- Full CS2 team lineup at ESL Pro League Season 23
- Stage 1 teams: Full list and analysis
- Stage 2 top teams: Favorites and contenders
- Dark horses and upset potential
- Schedule and 2026 CS2 calendar context
- CS2 skins tips for EPL fans
- Final thoughts on ESL Pro League Season 23
ESL Pro League Season 23 overview
ESL Pro League has been one of Counter-Strike's benchmark tournaments for years, and Season 23 keeps that legacy going in Counter-Strike 2. The event ties directly into ESL's Grand Slam circuit and offers teams a massive prize pool and crucial ranking points heading into a stacked 2026 CS2 season.
However, Season 23 is also controversial. The early phase of the tournament moves away from LAN and back to online play, which many pros and fans consider a downgrade in terms of competitive integrity and viewing experience. On top of that, two massive organizations — Team Vitality and Team Falcons — have decided to skip the event entirely, reshaping the competitive landscape.
In this guide, we'll break down every CS2 team invited to ESL Pro League Season 23, explain the new format, look at the favorites and dark horses, and give you some extra context on how this fits into the wider 2026 CS2 calendar. We'll also drop a few tips for fans who enjoy customizing their loadouts with stylish cs2 skins while watching the action.
Why Vitality and Falcons skip Season 23
Two of the biggest storylines going into ESL Pro League Season 23 are actually about teams not attending. Both Team Vitality and Team Falcons declined their direct invites and will be absent from the event.
That's a major shock when you consider how important EPL traditionally is. Vitality are the defending ESL Pro League champions, having lifted the trophy in Season 22 after beating Falcons in the grand final. Seeing both finalists step away from Season 23 is unusual, and ESL has not released detailed reasons for the decision.
Possible reasons: scheduling and pressure
While there's no official statement giving a full explanation, the most reasonable theory is schedule overload. Season 23 runs very close to other major CS2 events, with another high-profile tournament starting just two days after the EPL grand final. For top-tier lineups with deep runs expected at every event, that kind of calendar is brutal.
Teams have to juggle:
- Travel between continents
- Practice time and bootcamps
- Recovery and rest, especially after long LAN events
- Strategic prep for Majors and other S-tier tournaments
Skipping one big tournament can be a strategic decision if it means arriving fresher and better prepared for a CS2 Major or another elite-level event.
Impact of Vitality & Falcons being absent
The absence of Vitality and Falcons has several direct effects on ESL Pro League Season 23:
- The title race opens up: Without the reigning champions and the previous finalists, the trophy feels much more up for grabs.
- New teams get their shot: Spots that would have gone to top-tier staples have been handed down to hungry squads like Passion UA and Ninjas in Pyjamas in Stage 1, and promotions for Aurora Gaming and B8 into Stage 2.
- Meta and narrative shift: Storylines pivot from “can Vitality defend?” to questions like “is this FURIA's year?” or “can Spirit and MOUZ dominate again?”
For fans, this might feel like a loss of star power, but it also means more space for underdogs and emerging lineups to prove they belong at the top level of CS2.
Format changes: Online Stage 1 and what it means
One of the biggest talking points around ESL Pro League Season 23 is the return of online play for the first stage of the event. While Season 22 used LAN matches earlier in the competition, Season 23 relegates Stage 1 to an online environment.
Online vs LAN: competitive differences
Online CS2 never quite feels the same as LAN, especially at the highest level. A few key differences stand out:
- Ping and server conditions can subtly influence duels, even at low latency.
- Player comfort increases for some, as they play from familiar facilities or home bases.
- Pressure levels are generally lower online, sometimes leading to more upsets and looser playstyles.
- Crowd influence disappears, removing that big-arena pressure and hype that LAN offers.
This shift generally favors teams that are strong in preparation, solid online, and used to grinding through qualifiers. It can be slightly tougher on squads that traditionally peak on stage in front of a crowd.
Viewer experience and storylines
For viewers, online stages may not hit as hard as packed-arena LAN games, but they often bring:
- More matches per day to follow
- Higher chance of surprise results
- A better opportunity to see how teams adapt across a longer online phase before the LAN knockout battles
When Stage 2 begins and top teams join the competition in a more structured environment, the storylines built during Stage 1 will fuel the hype — especially if underdogs progress.
Full CS2 team lineup at ESL Pro League Season 23
Season 23 splits teams into two main groups:
- Stage 1 teams: A mix of direct invites and squads that qualified through regional competitions and ranking systems.
- Stage 2 teams: Elite lineups seeded directly into the later phase, joined by the best performers from Stage 1.
While ESL shared a combined overview graphic, we'll break the teams down clearly in the next sections and add context to why each lineup matters going into the tournament.
Stage 1 teams: Full list and analysis
Stage 1 of ESL Pro League Season 23 features several recognizable organizations alongside rising names from regional circuits and qualifiers. Although it's "only" the online phase, the level of competition remains high.
Stage 1 team list
Based on the information available, Stage 1 of EPL S23 includes the following teams:
- Legacy
- Astralis
- Ninjas in Pyjamas
- Gaimin Gladiators
- G2 Esports
- HEROIC
- Passion UA
- SemperFi Esports
- Team Liquid
- paiN Gaming
- PARIVISION
- M80
- 3DMAX
- FUT Esports
- NRG
- Monte
Some of these names will be instantly familiar to CS fans, while others are looking to turn a strong online season into a deeper EPL run.
G2 Esports: talent vs inconsistency
G2 Esports enter Stage 1 as one of the most dangerous but unpredictable teams. They recently won BLAST Open Fall 2025, reminding everyone that their peak level is still championship-worthy. However, G2 has struggled with consistency and seeding at various events, occasionally finding themselves starting deeper in the bracket or in earlier phases like this one.
In an online Stage 1, G2's raw firepower and experience should be enough to carry them comfortably into Stage 2. The real question is whether they can convert a strong start into a full deep run once they reach the later phase.
Legacy: 2025 was a rollercoaster
Legacy had an up-and-down 2025 campaign. On one hand, they claimed a big victory at the CS Asia Championships 2025, proving they can win an international event. On the other, they struggled badly at the Budapest Major 2025, failing to progress to Stage 2.
That volatility makes Legacy one of the most intriguing squads in Stage 1. If they show up in form, they can absolutely fight for a slot in the later phase. If not, they risk being overshadowed by steadier contenders.
Astralis and HEROIC: classic Danish brands
Both Astralis and HEROIC bring heavy brand recognition, but their current rosters and form will determine how serious their title hopes truly are.
- Astralis are rebuilding their identity in CS2, trying to rediscover the structure and mid-round magic that once made them legendary in CS:GO.
- HEROIC have shown flashes of excellence in CS2 but haven't cemented themselves as a consistent top-3 team in the new game era.
Stage 1 will be a crucial test of whether these lineups are climbing back toward elite status or still stuck in transition.
Liquid, paiN, M80 and NRG: North & South American contenders
The Americas are represented by several familiar names:
- Team Liquid: A historic org that has been working to retool its roster for CS2. EPL S23 is a good opportunity to prove that their project is on the right trajectory.
- paiN Gaming: A respected Brazilian core with frequent appearances in international events. They're dangerous in bo3s and capable of upsetting higher-ranked teams.
- M80: They started the Budapest Major strongly but crumbled under pressure once they hit Stage 2, showing both their potential and inexperience at the top level.
- NRG: A resurrected brand in CS2, still looking to establish itself among NA contenders in a scene that continues to rebuild.
For these squads, a strong EPL run isn't just about prize money — it's about sending a message heading into the mid-year LANs and the Major cycle.
Monte and FUT Esports: European underdogs
Monte and FUT Esports represent that next tier of European teams who live between upset potential and true contender status.
- Monte are particularly notable after eliminating NAVI in the online qualifier for BLAST Bounty Winter 2026. They've already proven that big names can fall to them in online play, which makes Stage 1 a very fertile ground for them.
- FUT Esports have been steadily climbing the European ladder and could use EPL Season 23 as a breakout moment.
With Stage 1 taking place online, these lineups could easily punch above their weight again and reach the later phase.
Regional qualifiers and ranked invites
ESL has also included winners and top performers from:
- ESL Challenger League Season 50
- Various regional competitions and ranking systems, such as DreamHack Knockout and other qualifiers
That pathway ensures that in-form regional champions get a chance to test themselves against established names, keeping the field fresh and diverse.
Stage 2 top teams: Favorites and contenders
Stage 2 is where the elite squads come in, joined by those who survived Stage 1. With Vitality and Falcons out, the spotlight shifts heavily onto a few key organizations.
Stage 2 team list
The core Stage 2 teams confirmed for ESL Pro League Season 23 include:
- FURIA
- FaZe Clan
- Team Spirit
- The MongolZ
- Natus Vincere (NAVI)
- Aurora Gaming
- MOUZ
- B8
Aurora and B8 have been promoted into this stage, benefitting from the absence of Vitality and Falcons.
FURIA: The new main favorite?
With Vitality and Falcons not attending, FURIA suddenly find themselves at the front of the pack in the eyes of many analysts. Their second half of 2025 was described as nearly miraculous, with deep runs and strong performances across multiple events.
The big questions now are:
- Did FURIA manage to maintain their momentum through the off-season?
- Can they handle the pressure of being favorites rather than underdogs?
- Will their aggressive, high-tempo CS2 style hold up against the best strategists in the field on LAN?
If the answers skew positive, FURIA could be the team to beat at EPL Season 23.
Team Spirit and MOUZ: consistent Major contenders
Team Spirit and MOUZ are two of the most reliable squads in CS2 currently:
- Team Spirit powerfully stated their case by winning IEM Cologne 2025, knocking off top teams and defeating MOUZ in the grand final.
- MOUZ continue to prove they can go toe-to-toe with top-tier competition, making deep runs at big events and building a reputation for strong player development and structure.
Esports bookmakers are likely to give both Spirit and MOUZ favorable odds for EPL S23, especially with some of their traditional rivals sitting out.
NAVI and FaZe Clan: redemption required
Natus Vincere (NAVI) and FaZe Clan are never far from the spotlight in any CS2 event, but their recent form adds some pressure.
Both lineups took painful hits in the online qualifier for BLAST Bounty Winter 2026, losing to underdogs and failing to live up to expectations. That puts extra weight on their ESL Pro League performance. A weak run here would signal bigger structural problems; a deep playoff run would restore confidence and stabilize their rankings.
With their history, experienced cores, and superstar players, neither NAVI nor FaZe can be counted out — but they do need to prove they still justify high seeding and elite status.
The MongolZ, Aurora, B8: rising powers
Three squads stand out in the “rising team” category for Stage 2:
- The MongolZ: Known for their fearless, explosive style, they've increasingly become a fan-favorite and a legitimate threat to traditional regions. Their upset potential is enormous, especially in bo1 or early series.
- Aurora Gaming: Promoted to Stage 2, Aurora have been grinding their way through qualifiers and secondary circuits, slowly pushing themselves into the conversation as a stable tier-one challenger.
- B8: Another promoted squad that has shown flashes of high-level play. For them, EPL Season 23 is about experience, proving they belong, and attempting to snipe a favorite early.
If any of these teams can consistently convert group-stage opportunities into playoff appearances, they'll alter the CS2 power map going into the rest of 2026.
Dark horses and upset potential
Every ESL Pro League season produces its share of surprises, and Season 23 is set up perfectly for upsets thanks to the online-first format and a few unstable favorites.
Teams most likely to cause upsets
Several lineups are especially dangerous in that dark-horse role:
- Monte: Already proved they can knock out NAVI online. Their structured but fearless style suits long online phases where prep and anti-stratting matter.
- M80: If they can fix their mid-tournament nerves, the level they showed at the start of Budapest Major 2025 suggests they can hang with big names.
- Passion UA: Their invite to Stage 1 is a massive opportunity. Young squads from the CIS and Eastern Europe tend to be mechanically cracked and willing to play high-risk CS.
- Aurora Gaming & B8: Coming into Stage 2 with something to prove, they may take full advantage of any complacency from top-tier rivals.
These teams may not be everyone's tournament favorites, but they're exactly the kind of squads that can break pick'ems and open brackets with early surprises.
Why the online stage breeds more upsets
Several factors make Stage 1 particularly upset-heavy:
- Comfort zone: Many of these squads play together online constantly. They know how to abuse timings and tendencies in remote setups.
- Less emotional pressure: Some players crumble under LAN lights but shine online.
- Map pool surprises: Underdogs often have one or two specialist maps that they can spring on favorites in online series.
All of this means fans should expect not just one or two surprising results, but potentially entire groups being reshaped by unexpected winners.
Schedule and 2026 CS2 calendar context
To understand why ESL Pro League Season 23 looks the way it does — and why some teams are picking and choosing their events — you need to look at the wider 2026 CS2 calendar.
ESL FACEIT Group's busy first half of 2026
ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), the tournament organizer behind ESL Pro League, has loaded the first half of 2026 with top-tier events, including:
- ESL Pro League Season 23
- IEM Kraków 2026
- IEM Rio 2026
- IEM Atlanta 2026
- IEM Cologne 2026 — upgraded to a full CS2 Major
That’s an extremely dense schedule, especially with IEM Cologne 2026 now holding Major status. Top teams will prioritize:
- Preparing peak form for the Major
- Balancing travel and rest
- Protecting their players from burnout
In that context, Vitality and Falcons skipping EPL Season 23 looks less like disrespect and more like a calculated decision to peak at the right time.
How EPL S23 positions teams for the Major
Even with a hectic schedule, ESL Pro League Season 23 still matters enormously:
- Strong performances help secure better seeding at future tournaments.
- Teams can test new strategies in official play before the Major.
- Players gain crucial high-pressure reps against other elite squads.
For teams that aren't yet cemented in the top tier, a deep EPL run can be the difference between “tier two hopefuls” and “Major threats” heading into IEM Cologne 2026.
CS2 skins tips for EPL fans
Events like ESL Pro League are not just about competition — they're also prime time for fans to flex their favorite weapon looks, player signatures, and themed loadouts while watching their team on stream.
Building team-themed loadouts during EPL
Many CS2 fans like to build loadouts that match their favorite organization's colors or vibe. For example:
- FURIA fans might lean into darker, aggressive skins with sharp patterns to mirror the team's playstyle.
- Spirit or MOUZ supporters might choose brighter or cleaner designs that match their branding.
- Classic brands like NAVI or FaZe often inspire yellow/black or red/black themed inventories.
If you want to tweak your inventory ahead of EPL match days, you can browse, compare and trade cs2 skins on trusted marketplaces. Doing this between matchdays gives you time to buy smart and avoid overpaying in hype spikes.
Finding safe deals on CS2 & CSGO-style skins
The transition from CS:GO to CS2 has kept the skin ecosystem very much alive. Many players still casually refer to some items as csgo skins, but they all live inside the CS2 ecosystem now.
When shopping for skins around big events:
- Use platforms that prioritize security and fair pricing.
- Compare weapon finishes, float values, and stickers before locking in your purchase.
- Consider long-term value if you're buying high-tier knives or gloves — not just short-term hype.
Watching EPL while upgrading your inventory can be a fun way to stay engaged between matches — just remember to budget responsibly.
How skins enhance the esports viewing experience
Skins don't give in-game advantages, but they do add to the overall experience for both players and viewers:
- You recognize your favorite players by their signature AK or AWP designs.
- Special stickers and crafts can commemorate historic LAN runs or your favorite roster eras.
- Using similar skins to your esports idols can make your own ranked grind feel more connected to the pro scene.
Events like ESL Pro League Season 23 often inspire new combinations and crafts as fans try to recreate what they see on broadcast.
Final thoughts on ESL Pro League Season 23
ESL Pro League Season 23 lands at an interesting crossroads for competitive CS2. On one hand, there's a controversial step backward with the reintroduction of online play in Stage 1. On the other, there's a wide-open title race thanks to Vitality and Falcons skipping the event, plus a packed 2026 calendar culminating in a Major at IEM Cologne.
FURIA, Team Spirit, MOUZ, NAVI, and FaZe headline the list of favorites and heavyweights, while squads like Monte, M80, Aurora, B8, and Passion UA look ready to turn EPL S23 into an upset playground. Classic brands like Astralis, HEROIC, Liquid, G2, and Ninjas in Pyjamas will fight not just for trophies, but for proof that their projects are still on a winning path in CS2.
Between the competitive stakes, the shifting format, the intense schedule, and the ever-present culture around loadouts and cs2 skins, ESL Pro League Season 23 is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable chapters in the early CS2 era.
Whether you care most about rankings, storylines, or just watching your favorite riflers and AWPers frag out, this season of EPL is one you'll want to follow closely from the very first online map to the final LAN showdown.
