As we're getting closer to the end of the 2021 season, contenders for the European Challenger League are ready to battle it out for the prize pool, and most importantly, a spot in the next season of the European League.

Here's all you need to know about the competition.

Group Stage: October 15 to October 17.

• Group Stage Day 1: October 15
• Group Stage Day 2: October 16
• Group Stage Day 3: October 17

Playoffs: October 25 to November 25.

• Playday 1: October 25
• Playday 2: October 29
• Playday 3: November 1
• Playday 4: November 5
• Playday 5: November 18
• Playday 6: November 22
• Playday 7: November 25

European Finals: December. More information will be shared later on.

participating teams

The European Challenger League is the gateway to the European League. This season, the qualified teams include:

9 teams qualified through the European Nationals:

• Russian Major League: Hell Raisers (formerly known as 43rti)
• Spain Nationals: Rebels Gaming (formerly known as Wizards Esports)
• Italy PG Nationals: MKERS
• French League: DeathroW
• UK Ireland Nationals: Viperio 86
• Benelux League: GAMMA Gaming
• Nordic Championship: Riddle Esports
• Polish Masters: Skillstars.Pro (formerly known as Homeless)
• GSA League: WYLDE (formerly known as Sissy State Punks)

The runner up in the European League Season 2020 promotion/relegation match. - MnM Gaming

The 10th ranking team from the European League Season 2020: - Nubbles (formerly known as Chaos EC)

The top 5 teams from the European Challenger League Qualifiers: - Ovation Esports - Helios Gaming - Acend - Goskilla - Reply TOTEM

competitive structure

Learning from the past season of the European Challenger League, we have adapted this year's competitive structure to fit the new 16-team format.

This year, 16 teams divided in 4 groups of 4 will compete in a Best of 1 Round Robin - where each team play against every other team in their group once:  

The top 2 teams in each group will advance to the Playoffs, which will be played in a Best of 3 Double Elimination bracket.

The top 2 teams in the Playoffs will battle it out in a decisive match at the European Finals in December. The winner will directly qualify for the next season of the European League. The loser will have another chance to make it to the European League in a promotion/relegation match against the 9th ranking team in this season of European League. The winner of this match will earn the last spot for the next season of the European League.  

prize pool

The total prize pool for the competition is €50,000. The prize money will be broken down as follows:

• 1st place: €15,000
• 2nd place: €10,000
• 3rd-4th place: €7,500
• 5th-8th place: €2,500

where to watch

The Group Stages will be broadcast through community broadcasts. More details will be shared later on.

The Playoffs will be broadcast from our studio in Paris, France, on our usual Rainbow Six Esports channels on Twitch and YouTube.

To learn more about Rainbow Six Esports, please visit www.rainbow6.com/esports and follow us at twitter.com/R6esports and Instagram.com/R6esports.

For all things European League, please follow twitter.com/R6esportsEU.