The CSPPA has signed an agreement with ESL and DreamHack that will govern player participation in the ESL Pro Tour, and various ESL/DreamHack events.
CS:GO’s organic growth has seen fierce competition amongst tournament organizers to gain maximum market share. While diversity and competition is good for CS:GO viewers, professional players often have to face problems. With a packed schedule, CS:GO players have to travel across the world from tournament to tournament leaving them with little time to practice and rest.
What Does the CSPPA’s agreement Include?
The CSPPA’s agreement with ESL and DreamHack is modeled on the basis of similar agreements in successful traditional sports. The agreement showcases the growth and maturity of CS:GO as an esport. With the players association taking a lead in providing structure and a framework for professional CS:GO players, tournament organizers are ready to work with the CSPPA. 
CSPPA members with their CEO Mads Øland.
The announcement comes ahead of the ESL Pro Tour which links the various ESL and DreamHack events spread throughout the calendar year. The ESL Pro Tour will feature a total prize pool of $5 million distributed over several tournaments throughout the year.
It was ESL’s priority over the last 24 months to ensure that CS:GO pros regard our tournaments as best in class. The natural extension of this effort is recognizing the CSPPA as a partner in improving the ESL Pro Tour. This partnership is a very important milestone for us, as well as a big step forward towards the future of the industry.
ESL Senior Vice President of Products Ulrich Schulze
While traditional sports feature player unions taking an active part in contract negotiations and collective bargaining, esports has lagged behind. Several games such as CS:GO and Overwatch has seen players unite to form player unions.
ESL Pro Tour will kick off with DreamHack Leipzig next week.
