FACEIT introduces major changes to ESEA starting next season

The format for ESEA League is being restructure, beginning with Season 56 at the start of 2026, to meet VRS-ranked requirements and restore a direct online path" into ECL and ESL Pro League.

At the conclusion of Season 56 for each ESEA division, from Open10 up to Advanced, there will be a single tiered ESEA Finals Bracket. Teams in lower divisions like Open10 and Intermediate will enter the bracket first, and will need to fight their way just to have the opportunity to play playoffs teams from Main and Advanced.

The top two teams (in EU and NA) at the end of the Finals Bracket will earn wildcard invites to upcoming ECL Cups. Some other new changes include the requirement to register each season, the new VRS-ranked structure for upper groups, and roster stability rules that require a team retain at least three players from the previous season's core.

FACEIT confirmed the update earlier today, saying the newly reformatted system will "create a clear and recurring calendar for amateur teams to earn VRS points." The full announcement and list of changes can be read on the FACEIT website.

Registration for ESEA Season 56 begins December 3rd and ends January 7th, with the season set to begin on January 12th.