PGL announced via twitter that they will be hosting the first CSGO Major for 2022 in Antwerp, Belgium. This is the first CSGO Major that will be hosted in Belgium, and will run from May 19 to May 22.
After the success of PGL Stockholm Major 2021, Valve decided yet again to let the Romanian organisation host its most prestigious event, with a prize pool of $1 million. The playoffs will be held in the Antwerps Sportpaleis, an 18,000 capacity arena.
This will be the third CSGO Major that will be hosted by PGL, the first being PGL Krakow in 2017 followed by PGL Stockholm 2021. PGL Stockholm Major was the most successful Major in CSGO history.
PGL Stockholm Major shattered the viewership records of the previous Major (StarLadder Berlin) on the first day of the Legends Stage itself while the Grand Final between NaVi and G2 became the most-watched CSGO Major ever with 2.75 Million concurrent viewers surpassing the previous record by ELEAGUE Atlanta Major by more than 1.5 million.
Despite that, there were complaints of bad audio mixing and various other issues by talent and fans alike after the Major.
We are glad to have the opportunity to bring back the fans and players together for another CS:GO Major. Belgium has an impressive Counter-Strike fanbase, and many legendary players were born in this country. We are ready to offer an incredible experience for the fans inside the arena and the passionate viewers at home.
Belgium was our first option for the Major because it is situated in the heart of Europe. The location is accessible for everyone, and Sportpaleis is only 30 minutes away from the Brussels airport. We know that CS:GO has a lot of fans in Europe, and our goal was to find one of the most approachable destinations.
PGL Antwerp Major 2022 will have a prize pool of 1 million USD, reverting back to the old prize pool for CSGO Majors. PGL Stockholm remains the only Major with a prize pool of 2 million USD, this was mainly due to having no Majors in 2020 and only 1 CSGO Major in 2021.
PGL Stockholm was also very successful in terms of Sticker sales, it is rumoured. This will also be the second Major after PGL Stockholm to be broadcasted in 4K.
PGL Antwerp Major will also allow fans in attendance for the Playoffs, that will take place from May 19 – May 22. The coronavirus pandemic situation will also be kept in mind, the organisers said and the proper steps and precautions for securing everyone’s safety and well being will be in place.
PGL will also host the final RMR Tournament through which teams will qualify for PGL Antwerp Major 2022. According to a report by HLTV.org, the RMRs will take place on LAN for 3 regions – North and South America, Europe and CIS and Asia and Oceania region.
More information about the schedule, ticket sales and qualifying process will be released by PGL in the days building up to the Major. More about the announcement can be found here.
