ESL has officially confirmed the return of Counter-Strike to the legendary Spodek Arena in Katowice in 2026. The tournament organizer made the announcement on social media platform X: “When one journey ends. Another begins. Counter-Strike is returning to Katowice & the Spodek Arena in 2026.”
This means that the beloved city of CS fans will once again host top-tier competition next year, despite the recent format change of IEM Katowice.
What Happened to IEM Katowice?
In May 2025, ESL announced that its flagship event, IEM Katowice, would move to a new location starting in 2026 — Kraków. The decision came as a surprise to the community, as Katowice had been home to IEM since 2014 and became a legendary destination in the history of Counter-Strike.
Over the past decade, the tournament at Spodek Arena attracted millions of viewers both online and on-site, delivering dozens of unforgettable moments to fans. The move to Kraków sparked mixed reactions — some welcomed the change, while others feared losing the atmosphere built over the years in Katowice.
Why Is This Important?
Spodek Arena is more than just a venue — it’s a symbol of the Counter-Strike scene. It has hosted historic matches, legendary comebacks, and the rise of champions. Bringing a tournament back to this arena is not only a tribute to tradition but also a chance for a new generation of players to write their names into history.
What Could Replace IEM in Katowice?
Despite IEM’s relocation, Spodek Arena won’t be left without a major event. ESL is already working on a new tournament set to take place in Katowice in 2026. The most likely candidates are the playoffs of ESL Pro League Season 24 or even ESL Major Katowice — which would mark the first CS2 Major in the city since 2019.
The possibility of hosting a Major once again would open the door for more historic matches and the battle for CS2’s most prestigious trophy. One thing is clear: ESL is sending a strong message — Katowice remains a vital hub in the Counter-Strike ecosystem.
Katowice is set to become the heart of global Counter-Strike once again — maybe not through IEM Katowice, but with a brand-new event that will gather the best players in the world. ESL continues to honor the legacy of Counter-Strike, and fans are already eagerly awaiting the return of the Spodek Arena’s magic in 2026.
