Counter-Strike 2 returns to Katowice in 2026, ESL confirms comeback at Spodek Arena

ESL Katowice in 2026 (credit: ESL)

ESL has confirmed that Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) will make its return to Katowice, Poland, in 2026. While the specific tournament hasn't been named yet, what we do know is that the iconic Spodek Arena is back in play—marking a homecoming for one of CS’s most beloved stages.

This announcement follows ESL’s earlier decision to move its high-profile IEM Katowice event to Kraków for 2025. Naturally, fans were a bit surprised by the shift, considering Katowice has been a staple on the CS calendar for years. But now, it seems ESL isn’t ready to say goodbye to Katowice just yet.

The reveal came via social media, with ESL teasing the city’s return to the Counter-Strike scene in 2026. That said, they’ve kept quiet about which exact tournament will be hosted there. Still, given the venue and timing, speculation is already swirling. As per ESL’s previously shared 2026 CS2 calendar, there’s an unannounced event in late September, and Season 23 of the ESL Pro League is set to be held in a “live arena environment in Europe.” Spodek Arena definitely checks that box.

For those unfamiliar, Katowice and Counter-Strike go way back. Since 2013, the city has hosted major IEM events, earning a reputation as one of the most electric and passionate venues in esports. That legacy was briefly paused when ESL revealed in May that Kraków would take over as the European host city for IEM from January 27 to February 8, 2026. Now, it looks like Katowice is gearing up for its own major moment later that same year.