Tournament operator ESEA and the FACEIT platform have announced the creation of a new league division in Europe, starting with Season 53. The newly introduced division, named Entry, will sit between the existing Open and Intermediate divisions, providing a competitive environment tailored to a specific skill range.
The Composition of the New Entry Division
The Entry division is designed to bridge the gap between the Open and Intermediate divisions by incorporating various teams based on specific criteria. The new division will include:
- 2 teams from Open1-8
- 4 teams from Open9
- 128 teams from Open10
- Entry qualifier teams
- Teams registered in the Open in Season 53 whose top 5 players have an average Elo rating of over 2,500+
- Intermediate level teams with fewer than 4 wins

Objectives and Potential Expansion
The primary objective of introducing the Entry division is to create a more structured competitive progression for teams in Europe. It aims to offer a balanced and fair competition level for teams transitioning from Open to Intermediate.
The Entry division will serve as a testing ground for this new league structure. If the experience proves successful and beneficial for teams and organizers, the Entry division is expected to be rolled out for the North American region as well. This expansion would further standardize competitive structures across different regions, fostering a more cohesive global esports ecosystem.
Anticipated Impact on the European Esports Scene
The introduction of the Entry division is anticipated to have several positive impacts on the European esports scene:
- Improved Competitive Balance: Teams will face opponents with similar skill levels, leading to more evenly matched and exciting games.
- Clearer Pathways for Progression: Teams will have a more defined pathway for climbing the competitive ladder, encouraging continuous improvement and skill development.
- Increased Participation: The new division may attract more teams to participate, knowing there is an intermediate step before reaching the higher tiers of competition.
In summary, the creation of the Entry division by ESEA and FACEIT marks an important development in the European esports landscape. By addressing the skill gap between existing divisions and providing a more structured competitive environment, this new league aims to enhance the overall experience for players, teams, and fans alike.
We look forward to seeing how the Entry division unfolds in the upcoming seasons and its potential impact on the broader esports community.
mmmm… nice