StarCraft is revered as one of the founding fathers of esports, where the original title helped propel esports across the world, especially in Asia. Now, decades later, the ESL Pro Tour for StarCraft II is shutting down and fans are fearing the worst. Read on as we discuss the future of StarCraft II esports from an esports betting perspective.
EPT StarCraft II – A Rough 5-Year Anniversary
Here’s to 5 years of the ESL Pro Tour, featuring StarCraft 2 tournaments such as the following:
- IEM Katowice World Championships
- DreamHack Masters
- ESL Masters
- ESL Opens
Throughout the first half of 2025, we’ve been patiently waiting for Blizzard to reveal the tournament roadmap for 2025.
Besides hosting all of the most significant global events, the ESL Pro Tour streamlined competition and allowed international competitors to earn points and seed to the most prestigious tournament of the season – the IEM Katowice World Championship.
Reasons why it’s shutting down weren’t specified by Blizzard. However, in today’s climate, the reasons are obvious:
- A declining scene – StarCraft’s dated game design with a lack of updates hasn’t attracted new players, with an ageing scene trying to keep it alive
- Regional success – South Korea is the only exceptional region where StarCraft II continues to be rather popular (GSL events), the same can’t be said for the other regions
- Lack of content updates – Blizzard doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to upholding esports scenes and this is just another example
- Money – in light of all of the above, it is likely the tournament series didn’t remain financially feasible for ESL, an industry leader in tournament organizing
Is this the end for StarCraft II esports?
No, it certainly isn’t the end.
Moreover, StarCraft is at a similar point to many of Blizzard’s other esports, such as Hearthstone and Overwatch. Forced to go back to grassroots, the esport will need to rebuild in order to try climb back. Unlike the other scenes though, StarCraft is considerably older.
In the meantime though, StarCraft II will be featured at the Esports World Cup and regional Asian tournaments will likely continue taking place.
In conclusion, StarCraft betting opportunities for SCII are on the decline barring one international tournament and regional rumbles.
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