Tournament format
The tournament is separated into two different stages – The group stage and The playoffs.
The Group stage consists of two different pools, each containing 4 teams. The group rounds are played as “Robin rounds” – all the teams must play against each other. Matches are set up as BO2 series, and the team who finishes on the bottom of the group gets eliminated from the tournament.
The playoffs consist of the remaining teams. Matches are played as BO3, based on the single-elimination rule. The first round of the playoffs – 1st ranked teams play against each other while the 2nd ranked teams play against the 3rd ranked teams them from other groups.
Sometimes the organizer will test out new concepts and formats. Therefore always check the tournament page if you would like to study a specific tournament.Whats special about EPICENTER
Once a year, the cities in Russia become the center points of the Counter-Strike world. Whether it is Moscow or St. Petersburg, mad fun is guaranteed. Eight of the most elite teams in the world are invited to compete for the championship, prize money and an opportunity to entertain thousands of dedicated and passionate fans.
The atmosphere is always amazing, and all the excitement and electricity in the arena make it seem like the building will get the roof blown off by all the fans cheering. Add to that a prize pool of $500,000 and you get an epic tournament that leaves no one disappointed.
EPICENTER's first event
It was in Russia back in 2016, when all the best teams in Counter-Strike was placed in VTB Ice Palace, Moscow. Eight teams came with one thing in mind – to raise the shiny trophy above their heads.
The prize pool was $500,000 and the competition was as hard as it gets – Dignitas, Virtus.pro, SK, NaVi, G2, and fnatic went at each other with nothing holding them back. After grueling battles, Dignitas was able to win the championship by defeating Virtus.pro by 2:1 in the final round.
