The ESL Pro League Season 21 Play-In Stage features 16 teams competing for the last 4 spots in the regular season. The event runs on LAN in Malta from January 23-26, 2024, with teams battling through a double-elimination bracket.

Format & Stakes

• 16 teams compete in double-elimination format
• Top 4 teams qualify for ESL Pro League Season 21
• All matches are best-of-3
• $20,000 prize pool

Notable Teams

• 9INE (formerly MOUZ)
• ECSTATIC
• Lynn Vision Gaming
• Aurora Gaming
• Complexity Gaming
• paiN Gaming
• MIBR
• 500

Tournament Structure The teams are divided into upper and lower brackets. Winners advance through the upper bracket while losing teams get a second chance in the lower bracket. Four teams total will qualify through either pathway.

Key Storylines

• 9INE enters as the clear favorite after their recent success
• Lynn Vision looks to prove themselves outside of Asia
• ECSTATIC aims to continue their steady rise
• Several teams field new rosters for 2024

The Play-In provides crucial opportunity for teams to earn a spot in the prestigious ESL Pro League regular season. With experienced organizations and emerging talent colliding, expect intense competition as teams fight for qualification.

Matches begin January 23rd, with qualifying teams moving on to the regular season starting February 21st, 2024.

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