Dubai-based gaming and esports agency YaLLa Esports announced details on the second season of its MENA-focused, LAN-based Counter-Strike 2 competition series, YaLLa Compass.
The “S-Tier” Counter-Strike 2 circuit for the MENA region will offer a $1.5M USD total prize pool (up from $450K in the first season) and will kick on July 29—running until a specific date to be determined sometime in Q2 2025, according to the announcement. YaLLa claims that its inaugural season enjoyed 50M total views and more than 5M hours watched by fans.
“Building on the incredible growth of esports in MENA in 2024 and the success of the first Compass season, YaLLa Compass promises an even bigger and better experience for both gamers and viewers,” says Klaus Kajetski, founder and CEO, YaLLa Esports. “With a larger prize pool, two LAN events, and a continued focus on creating a truly global esports experience, YaLLa Compass is solidifying its position as an S-tier tournament not only in the MENA region, but on the international stage.”
Open qualifiers for YaLLa Compass begin on July 29, with two additional open qualifiers planned for Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, respectively. The format so far:
Contenders Swiss Stage: July 29 – Aug. 22
- Sixteen (16) Team Swiss System Format
- All matches are Bo3
- Top eight (8) teams proceed to Main Swiss Stage
Main Swiss Stage: Aug. 26 – Sept. 19
- Sixteen (16) Team Swiss System Format
- All matches are Bo3
- Top eight (8) teams proceed to Playoffs
Playoffs: Sept. 23 – 25
- Single-Elimination bracket
- All matches are Bo3
- Prize pool of $25K, with the top two (2) teams qualified to YaLLa Compass closed qualifiers.
Further events in the season will be determined at a later date, according to the announcement. More information on YaLLa Compass 2025 schedules, participating teams, and more will be announced on yallacompass.com.