In a statement on their official site, PGL have revealed that the Stockholm Major will go ahead as previously planned, despite concerns it could have been moved.
Events around the globe had faced uncertain futures given the ongoing pandemic, with several cancelled or moved due to restrictions. However, the Swedish government have removed restrictions, meaning the first CS:GO Major in two years is full steam ahead.
The statement reads:
"Following Sweden’s government announcements, removing all possible restrictions for esports events in Sweden, with all players on site, and allowing a full house for indoor arenas, we are pleased to announce that we will run the PGL MAJOR STOCKHOLM 2021 as we initially planned."
Details revealed for a historic Major
Two years after Astralis claimed their third consecutive Major, the world's best teams will return to a LAN setting for a huge event.
The tournament, which will see the Playoffs held at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm and welcomes fans back, will get under way on October 26, and with the Grand Final taking place on November 7.
Given the importance and scale of the event, PGL have doubled the prize pool to a massive $2 million. This constitutes the largest single prize pool in CS:GO history, and is backed by the game's developer, Valve.
As with previous Majors, there will be three distinct phases to the tournament.
The New Challengers Stage will feature 16 teams, with eight progressing to the New Legends Stage. They join eight invited teams, with eight progressing to the New Champions Stage.
Regional spots will be allocated as follows, based on qualifying tournaments as part of the IEM Fall banner.
Although some teams are almost guaranteed their place in the Major given their size and scope, the final lineup of teams is anyone's guess.
With so much on the line, it'll make for a fascinating spectacle!
With Sweden not guaranteeing players the special athlete status needed to bypass visa requirements, Valve could look to move the upcoming Major from the capital, Stockholm.
