ESL Pro League Season 21 smashes viewership records despite decline

ESL Pro League Season 21, one of Counter-Strike’s longest-standing tournaments, has smashed viewership records.

According to esports data platform Esports Charts, viewing figures peaked at 550,134 during the tournament‘s Group Stage.

Over half a million peak viewers were recorded during matches between G2 Esports and NAVI and when Team Falcons faced off against FURIA.

Esports Charts says these two matches managed to tap into three of the biggest Counter-Strike demographics:

Alongside tapping into the most populated demographics, ESL Pro League Season 21 also recorded the highest number of Mongolian viewers. Approximately 72,000 tuned in to watch The MongolZ against Team Spirit.

In terms of overall viewing figures, the tournament peaked at 571,008 during the semi-finals between MOUZ and Team Spirit.

Compared to Season 20 of ESL Pro League, peak viewing figures have declined by approximately 43%. 2024’s event recorded a figure of 819,850, a 242,842 difference.

French esports organisation Team Vitality won the competition, defeating MOUZ 3-0 in the best-of-five Grand Final. By achieving victory, Team Vitality took home $100,000 (~£77,092) in prize money.

The result marks the fourth ESL-operated event the organisation has won since 2023.

The next tournament operated by ESL FACEIT Group taking place in 2025 is IEM Melbourne and is the first time the event organiser has held an event in Australia since IEM Sydney in 2023.

Taking place from April 21st to 27th, 2025, 16 teams will compete for a share of $300,000 (~£231,394).

ESL Pro League Season 21 champions Team Vitality is one of the teams competing and has a chance to win the ESL Grand Slam, a competition that rewards teams for winning several tournaments operated by ESL FACEIT Group.

A team that manages to win several tournaments during an ESL Grand Slam season will earn a $1m (~£771,385) prize.