Stage 1 of ESL Pro League Season 22 kicks off tomorrow, September 28, featuring sixteen teams battling for a spot in Stage 2. Only the top eight will advance, which means every match is crucial.
Recent champions like FURIA and G2 will try to prove their dominance once again, while underdogs look to shake up the bracket. Below, we break down the format, full team list, opening match schedule, key favorites and dark horses, and how you can catch all the action live.
Contents
ESL Pro League Season 22 Stage 1 Format
- All matches are Bo3
- Top 8 teams proceed to Stage 2
ESL Pro League Season 22 Stage 1 Teams
| FURIA | G2 |
| GamerLegion | HEROIC |
| 3DMAX | ENCE |
| Astralis | B8 |
| NRG | Fluxo |
| Gentle Mates | Rooster |
| M80 | Legacy |
| HOTU | Inner Circle |
ESL Pro League Season 22 Stage 1 Favorites & Underdogs
Top Contenders
With recent strong results, FURIA and G2 enter the ESL Pro League as clear favorites to dominate Stage 1. Both squads have the experience, firepower, and confidence to push deep into the tournament.
Close behind are Astralis, HEROIC, GamerLegion, 3DMAX, and M80—teams seasoned enough to secure Stage 2 spots and potentially challenge the frontrunners.
Dark Horses
Keep an eye on Gentle Mates, ENCE, NRG, Legacy, and B8. These squads have had mixed results, but each has shown flashes of brilliance against top-tier opponents. If they find their form, at least one of them could make a surprise run.
Underdogs
Rounding out the lineup are HOTU, Rooster, Inner Circle, and Fluxo. While these teams have talent on paper, they lack big-stage experience and recent success. They’ll need something special to upset the favorites—but that’s what makes ESL Pro League exciting.
Stage 1 Opening Matches Schedule
September 28
- G2 vs. Rooster and Astralis vs. Fluxo starting at 10:30 CET
- 3DMAX vs. Inner Circle and GamerLegion vs. NRG starting at 13:00 CET
- Legacy vs. B8 and FURIA vs. HOTU starting at 15:30 CET
- HEROIC vs. Gentle Mates and M80 vs. ENCE starting at 18:00 CET
How to Watch ESL Pro League Season 22
Catch every match live on the official ESL streams:
- IEM Melbourne 2025 Official Twitch Primary Stream
- IEM Melbourne 2025 Official YouTube Stream
- IEM Melbourne 2025 Official Twitch Secondary Stream
You can tune in from anywhere—home, work, or on the go—and never miss a clutch moment.
Underdog Drama
This Stage is more than a formality—it’s a battlefield where reputations are built and dreams can collapse in a single map. The big names are expected to dominate, but the real story might come from a dark horse breaking into Stage 2. That’s the magic of ESL Pro League: anyone can rise. One thing is certain: fans are in for an action-packed ride.
