After easing their travel restrictions, Sweden seems to be the landmark destination for major esports events across a variety of titles. We speculated that should restrictions in Sweden lessen as time goes on, there would be an opportunity for PGL Major Stockholm 2021 to begin selling tickets and allowing audiences to attend in-person. It seems that will be the case as PGL announced today in a press release that tickets will go on sale for the 2021 Stockholm Major on September 22.

Everyone’s probably excited to attend the first in-person CSGO LAN event of the year. As indoor restrictions in Sweden are now lifted, Avicii Arena are now selling tickets to the CSGO major through their website. Ticket information is unknown at this current time, but should different ticket packages be available for purchase, we’ll be sure to update this article. As PGL are organizing both the PGL Major Stockholm 2021 and Dota 2’s The International 10, there may be similar packages offered at the Avicii Arena as those offered at Bucharest’s National Arena.

Those who are planning to travel to the event from the EU/EEA will have to abide by Sweden’s entry regulations, such as providing a certificate of vaccination, a negative Covid-19 test, or proof of recovery from Covid-19. Those coming from a country outside the EU may find themselves barred from entry to the country unless their circumstances are considered essential.

However, these restrictions apply to countries visited in transit, not the origin country. Those who are traveling to the US to another country in the EU that will allow their entry may be able to travel to Sweden from their country of transit. However, always check the regulations of whichever country you decide to visit in order to determine whether you will be able to travel there safely and not be barred entry.

Of course, always check and see if a visa will be necessary for your travels. If you are curious to see which countries’ citizens need visas in order to enter Sweden, you can check the following list of countries.

The PGL Major Stockholm 2021 will be divided into three divisions: Legends, Challengers, and Contenders.

1st through 3rd place in the European Major Rankings will determine Legend status for teams, with teams placing 4th-9th being relegated to Challenger status, and teams placed at 10th and 11th occupying space at Contenders. NA and CIS will only provide 1st through 3rd with Legend status, 4th with Challenger, and 5th with Contender. Other regions only have the option of Contender status with the top team in that region being able to qualify for the Major.

The upcoming Intel Extreme Masters XVI Fall will likely influence these rankings, and teams will be determined to secure good placement for the chance at a lion’s share of the $2,000,000 prize pool being offered at PGL Major Stockholm 2021.

The return of audiences to CSGO events will be sure to delight fans of CSGO. With League of Legends’ Worlds unable to support a live audience, this may be the opportunity for Valve’s CSGO and Dota 2 to shine and attract attention from the mainstream esports audience. Riot’s titles have been phenomenal in supporting their esports scenes and making the fan experience vital to their events. Hopefully, PGL and Valve will be able to do similarly this year.