We've only just reported on ESL and DreamHack revealing the ESL Pro Tour circuit for CS:GO next year, but according to Jarek 'DeKay' Lewis of Dexerto, this is coming with multiple exclusivity rules, as evident by alleged insider information.
"Beginning January 1st 2020, all member teams of Pro League shall not play in other Counter-Strike leagues, this means non Valve sponsored competitions where the first day of competition (excluding qualifiers) and the grand final day are more than fourteen (14) days apart, besides Pro League," reads a reported ESL Pro League term sheet sent to Dexerto.
"All member teams of Pro League shall limit their tournament participation days, meaning the active competition days of a tournament they participate in regardless of if they play on that day or not, to not more than 60 days per calendar year (not including travel, media days, or break days). This number excludes official Valve competitions such as Minors and Majors, online qualifiers, and also excludes Pro League competition days. Exceptions to the number of tournament days allowed can be granted by the Members Meeting."
"During the League Season (per jointly aligned schedule), teams shall not play in any other tournaments/leagues. Member teams may play online qualifiers for tournaments of $200,000 or higher in prize money during this period. This number excludes official Valve competitions such as Minors and Majors, and online qualifiers."
Dexerto also claims that two ESL Pro League teams have yet to agree to participate, and that teams won't be able to participate in the Esports Championship Series (ECS) Season 8 with these rules in place.
What do you make of these exclusivity terms?