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

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

As a result, the organizer will host six Tier 1 tournaments in 2027 and 2028, providing stability and sustainability within the first-person shooter’s growing tournament calendar.

Revealed on March 9The PGL said the commitment marks a ‘new era for professional clubs’ as it aims to build sustainability for invitational organizations and players competing on the big stage.

As part of this new era, PGL will introduce an incentive program that includes prizes for participation and teams that record the highest viewing figures during the event.

$2.2m (~£1.6m) is distributed to invited teams, while $2.8m (~£2.09m) is available for the annual viewing incentive. Alongside the incentive scheme, $6m (~£4.49m) is awarded to the top players in all of the PGL’s Tier 1 events.

“Our biggest commitment to date is Counter-Strike,” wrote a PGL executive Silviu Stroie on social media. “All incentives in our program will attract the best teams and players to participate in our events. We look forward to bringing the best events to the Counter-Strike community.”

In addition to significant prize money, PGL is introducing a hospitality program for players and staff. The tournament organizer will cover the travel expenses of the eight team members and dedicated practice rooms with state-of-the-art peripherals.

The program also offers opportunities for fan engagement, where the organizer gives teams the opportunity to sell merchandise and host on-site activations during events.

The investment in Counter-Strike esports for 2027 and 2028 solidifies PGL’s position as one of the world’s largest tournament organizers. February saw a protected editor three-year relationship with Cluj-Napoca to host events in the city until 2029.

Elsewhere, PGL has found several partners to support its operations through the 2026 season. In February, it partnered with ASUS ROG equipping the main stage and practice areas with a range of PCs and peripherals.

PGL has shared details of the CS2 event cycle for 2027 and 2028, leaving information about tournament locations until a later date. However, three events in the next two years will take place in the Schengen area.

The full list of events is as follows: