ESL has officially announced the launch of the sixth season of the Intel Grand Slam, one of the most prestigious competitions in professional Counter-Strike 2. The race for the $1,000,000 grand prize kicks off with IEM Dallas 2025, scheduled to take place from May 19 to 25.
This marks the first of ten top-tier events where the world’s best teams will compete for a historic title that has previously been claimed by only five organizations.
What Is the Intel Grand Slam?
The Intel Grand Slam is a long-term initiative by ESL that unites the most prestigious ESL Pro Tour events, including EPT Masters and Championship-level tournaments. The goal is to win four out of ten eligible events within a single Grand Slam season. The team that achieves this feat receives a $1,000,000 bonus, which is paid directly to the players.
If a team wins three events and is stopped in the grand final of their fourth attempt, the opposing team that defeats them will earn a $100,000 “spoiler bonus”.
Previous Winners:
- Astralis (Season I)
- Team Liquid (Season II)
- Natus Vincere (Season III)
- FaZe Clan (Season IV)
- Vitality (Season V, 2024–2025)
READ MORE:What happens to NAVI in 2025?
Format and Calendar of ESL Grand Slam VI
In Season VI of the Intel Grand Slam, teams may begin their campaign for the million-dollar prize from any of ten eligible ESL tournaments starting in May 2025. The journey begins with IEM Dallas 2025. Only victories within ten consecutive ESL events count toward the Grand Slam, and at least one of the four required titles must be from a Championship-level event (e.g., IEM Katowice or Cologne).
Confirmed Grand Slam VI Events:
- IEM Dallas 2025 — May 19–25
- IEM Cologne 2025 — July 23 – August 3
- ESL Pro League Season 22 — September 27 – October 12
- IEM Chengdu 2025 — November 3–9
- ESL Pro League Season 23 — March 2026
All these events are part of the ESL Pro Tour and hold S-Tier status. Winning any of them is a major step toward the ultimate Grand Slam goal.
Top Contenders for Grand Slam VI
While every team starts the season with a clean slate, some are already positioned as favorites:
- Team Vitality
The reigning Grand Slam champions. With ZywOo’s brilliance and the addition of ropz, Vitality remain a dominant force, winning five consecutive LAN titles leading into the season. - FaZe Clan
With s1mple joining the roster, FaZe has secured a massive boost. Their combination of experience and firepower makes them one of the most dangerous playoff teams on the circuit. - Falcons
The new juggernaut. After signing m0NESY and delivering solid performances at IEM Melbourne and BLAST Rivals, Falcons have proven they’re ready to compete at the top. Their deep roster and aggressive playstyle are well-suited for ESL’s tournament structure. - NAVI
Despite recent roster changes, NAVI’s young talents have shown immense potential. If the team finds consistency, they could become serious title contenders once again. - G2 Esports
Rebuilding after losing key stars, G2 remains a formidable team thanks to their infrastructure, leadership, and deep tournament experience. - MOUZ
One of the most consistent teams of 2025. With rising stars like Jimpphat and xertioN, MOUZ continues to push deep into playoff brackets and may be on the verge of a breakthrough.
READ MORE:Vitality defeat Falcons at BLAST Rivals 2025 extending their winning streak
Why the Grand Slam Matters in CS2
The Intel Grand Slam is more than just a million-dollar prize — it represents the pinnacle of team excellence in Counter-Strike. Winning the Grand Slam signifies sustained dominance over time, not just short-term peak performance.
The title:
- Builds a legacy: Teams that win the Grand Slam become historical icons (e.g., Astralis in 2019, Vitality in 2025).
- Raises player value: All players receive a direct bonus payout and major reputational elevation.
- Influences competitive priorities: Teams structure long-term strategies around the ESL calendar, prioritizing series-based success over isolated results.
For the CS2 scene, which is still evolving following the Source 2 transition, Grand Slam VI could be a turning point — the first full-scale challenge in the new competitive ecosystem.
IEM Dallas 2025 is only the beginning. Soon we’ll see who lays the groundwork for their “golden run.” Will Vitality repeat their reign? Will FaZe and s1mple rewrite history? Or will Falcons emerge as CS2’s next superpower?
The sixth season of the Intel Grand Slam is underway — and it’s shaping up to be the most exciting yet.
