ESL (company)

ESL, often referred to as ESL Gaming, is an esports company that organizes and produces video game competitions worldwide. Founded in 2000, it is one of the largest esports companies globally.

ESL's activities encompass various aspects of the esports ecosystem, including tournament organization, broadcasting, and league management. They host and operate leagues and tournaments for numerous popular esports titles, such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), Dota 2, StarCraft II, and others. These events range in scale from grassroots competitions to large-scale, professional tournaments with significant prize pools and viewership.

The company's portfolio includes several prominent tournament series, such as ESL Pro League, Intel Extreme Masters (IEM), and ESL National Championships. These events are often held in large arenas and stadiums, attracting both live audiences and online viewers.

ESL is involved in the production of esports content, including live broadcasts, highlights, and behind-the-scenes footage. They operate their own broadcasting studios and employ a team of commentators, analysts, and production staff.

In 2022, ESL merged with FACEIT to form ESL FACEIT Group, a leading esports and gaming entertainment company. The combined entity aims to further develop the esports ecosystem and provide a wider range of opportunities for players, teams, and fans.