It has been confirmed that Team Spirit declined the opportunity to feature in the upcoming ESL Pro League Season 19

Team Spirit passed on the chance to compete in ESL Pro League S19 following Cloud9’s exit. ESL approached them with the vacant spot, but they ultimately declined. SAW will step in their place, as confirmed by ESL VP Ulrich Schulze on X. 

Spirit were first in line to replace C9 but turned down the invite. SAW were next. https://t.co/So1jwSRnwv

— Ulrich Schulze (@theflyingdj) April 15, 2024

Team Spirit Say No to ESL Pro League Season 19

Team Spirit remains silent on their decision to decline the ESL invite. This comes after a slight dip in their HLTV rankings following their Katowice win. The invitation could have been a chance to climb back up and gain valuable practice for upcoming events, with their next one (BetBoom Dacha Belgrade) not until mid-May.

Credit: Dexerto

Cloud9 is out of EPL S19 following the departure of Denis “electronic” Sharipov. The team’s decision to not go for a stand-in hints at the possibility of a large squad overhaul. Both the players and the coach could be on the chopping block. 

SAW To Replace Cloud9

Stepping into Cloud9’s shoes at ESL Pro League S19 is SAW, a team riding a wave of success.  The Portuguese squad recently qualified for PGL Major Copenhagen with a stunning reverse-sweep at the Europe RMR, dominated the BLAST Spring Showdown for a Finals berth, and went undefeated in ESL Challenger League 47.  This hot streak propelled them to their highest world ranking yet: No. 16.

Credit: PGL

The exact reason for SAW’s Pro League S19 invite remains unclear, but their high ESL ranking is likely a factor. Cloud9 initially secured their spot through this system, and with their withdrawal, SAW, the highest-ranked remaining team (besides Spirit who declined), took their place.

ESL Pro League S19 heads to Malta from April 23rd to May 12th.  32 teams will battle it out for a share of the $750,000 prize pool.