EsportsHeaven The ESL Pro Tour (EPT) for StarCraft II, which defined much of the game's competitive scene from 2020 onward, officially came to an end in 2025. As a result, there was no traditional ESL Pro Tour Masters season or major April event in 2026 under the EPT banner. The circuit's discontinuation marked the conclusion of one of the most consistent and influential tournament structures in StarCraft II history.
• ESL Pro Tour discontinued after the 2024/25 season
• StarCraft II continues through independent events, community tournaments, and the Esports World Cup
• Legacy of the EPT Masters lives on through past seasons and player achievements
Legacy of the ESL SC2 Masters
Previous years featured strong ESL SC2 Masters events, such as the Spring 2024 edition held at DreamHack Dallas, where Serral defeated Maru in a dominant Grand Final. These tournaments typically offered substantial prize pools ($100,000+ for finals), regional qualifiers, and direct qualification paths to larger championships.
The EPT combined online regionals with LAN finals, providing consistent competition for players across Europe, Americas, and Asia. Iconic moments, breakout performances, and veteran dominance (particularly from players like Serral, Maru, Dark, and Clem) defined the circuit.
Why the EPT Ended
In April 2025, ESL announced that the full-scale ESL Pro Tour for StarCraft II would not continue into 2025 and beyond. The decision came despite strong community support, citing increasing challenges in sustaining the circuit's scale amid evolving industry economics. ESL emphasized that the decision was difficult after five incredible years of events, including IEM Katowice standalones and multiple Masters seasons.
| Aspect | Status |
|---|---|
| ESL Pro Tour | Discontinued (2025 onward) |
| Major 2026 Events | Esports World Cup, community LANs, All-Stars events |
| Player Opportunities | Still active through independent tournaments |
StarCraft II Scene in 2026
While the structured ESL Pro Tour Masters no longer runs, StarCraft II remains active. Players compete in:
- Esports World Cup events
- Community-run tournaments like HomeStory Cup, All-Stars Invitationals, and regional leagues
- Independent high-prize events in Asia and Europe
The discontinuation shifted focus toward a more decentralized scene, with the Esports World Cup serving as one of the premier international stages.
Looking Back and Forward
The ESL Pro Tour Masters delivered years of high-level StarCraft II action, memorable rivalries, and global competition. Although the official circuit has ended, the passion for the game and its players endures. Fans continue to enjoy top-tier play through the evolving tournament landscape in 2026 and beyond.