PGL commits $22m to Tier 1 Counter-Strike in 2027 and 2028

Esports tournament organiser PGL has announced it will commit at least $22m (~£16.5m) to the Counter-Strike 2 ecosystem over the next two years.

As a result, the organiser will host six Tier 1 tournaments in 2027 and 2028, offering stability and sustainability within the first-person shooter title’s expanding tournament calendar.

Revealed on March 9th, PGL stated that the commitment marks ‘a new era for professional teams’ as it aims to build sustainability for the organisations accepting invitations and players competing on the big stage.

As part of this new era, PGL will launch an incentive programme including rewards for participation and teams that record high viewing figures during an event.

$2.2m (~£1.6m) is distributed to invited teams, while $2.8m (~£2.09m) is on offer for the annual viewership incentive. Alongside the incentive programme, $6m (~£4.49m) is on offer for top performers across PGL’s Tier 1 events.

“Our biggest commitment yet to Counter-Strike,” wrote PGL CEO Silviu Stroie on social media. “All the incentives in our program will attract the best possible teams and players to participate in our events. Looking forward to delivering more great events to the Counter-Strike community.”

In addition to the significant prize money, PGL is launching a hospitality programme for players and staff members. The tournament organiser will cover the travel costs for eight team members alongside dedicated practice rooms featuring state-of-the-art peripherals.

The programme also offers fan engagement opportunities, with the organiser offering teams a chance to sell merchandise and host on-site activations during events.

The investment in Counter-Strike esports for 2027 and 2028 cements PGL’s place as one of the world’s largest tournament organisers. February saw the organiser secure a three-year partnership with Cluj-Napoca to host events in the city until 2029.

Elsewhere, PGL has secured several partners to support its operations during the 2026 season. In February, it joined forces with ASUS ROG to equip the main stage and practice areas with a range of PCs and peripherals.

PGL has shared details on the 2027 and 2028 CS2 event circuit, omitting information regarding the tournament’s locations until a later date. However, three of the events over the next two years will take place in the Schengen Zone.

The full list of events is as follows: