ESL and Dreamhack to make CS:GO schedule "more balanced and sustainable"

In a surprising move, ESL and Dreamhack have released a public statement regarding the tough schedule CS:GO players face in the esport. Acknowledging the controversy that players work excessive hours, the post announces plans to make the schedule "more balanced and sustainable."

Since the beginning of the pandemic, CS:GO players have been known to work extreme hours to be able to find success in the esport. The Counter-Strike Professional Players Association (CSPPA) has been working to resolve this issue, and has come to an agreement with ESL and Dreamhack that sees plenty of changes come to tournaments.

"We are very happy to have established a forum with ESL and Dreamhack, where we can address and act on scheduling-related challenges on an ongoing basis," said Mads Øland, CEO of CSPPA. "The collaboration has proven to work very well and I think that is because we are pursuing the same goal - to make the CS:GO schedule more balanced and sustainable."

Starting as soon as possible, tournaments will have a smaller group stage, lowered from 8 to 6 teams, where teams will be guaranteed two games. Alongside this, matches will not be allowed to finish after midnight, technical measures will be implemented to reduce delays, and players will be given a minimum of three days rest after competing in a semi-finals, or finals event before they can start a new tournament.

"Our collaboration with CSPPA entails a continuous flow of structured feedback and ideas from players on our tournaments and products," said Ulrich Schulze, Senior Vice President Product at ESL. "This feedback allows us to make adjustments which improve player conditions without compromising the core products."

You can read the full statement below.