YaLLa Compass 2025-26 events unveiled

YaLLa Esports is set to host a significant Counter-Strike season in the Middle East with an ambitious tournament series spanning 2025 and 2026. The Emirati tournament organizer has unveiled comprehensive plans that include substantial prize pools, innovative fan engagement initiatives, and a robust competitive structure.

For 2025, YaLLa has announced two major tournaments - the YaLLa Compass Spring and Fall events. Each tournament boasts a total prize pool of $750,000, with $600,000 USD allocated for the LAN finals and $150,000 USD distributed throughout the qualifying stages. The champions will take home a $300,000 USD cash prize.

Each event will host three open qualifiers, with teams advancing through various stages:

Contenders Stage (16-team bo3 Swiss bracket)
Main Swiss Stage (16-team bo3 Swiss bracket)
Playoffs (12-team bo3; single-elimination)

The closed qualifier will utilize a 16-team bo3 GSL-style bracket, from which eight teams will advance to join eight directly invited teams at the LAN finals. The finals feature a group stage with two GSL-style groups, leading into a six-team playoff bracket with a bo5 grand final.

Looking ahead to 2026, YaLLa Esports has confirmed three LAN events. Qatar will host the first event in Q1, while the United Arab Emirates will welcome teams in Q4. A third location for the Q2/Q3 event is yet to be announced.

A unique aspect of these tournaments is YaLLa's fan engagement initiative. Each participating team can bring one "superfan" with all expenses covered (flights, accommodation, and event tickets). Teams will also receive 20 three-day tickets to distribute as they wish. The organizer is introducing a "best superfan" competition with a $10,000 prize for the winner.

The Spring 2025 event's LAN finals is scheduled for 15th to 20th March 2025. The Fall edition kicks off its qualifiers on 28th April 2025, culminating in the LAN finals from 18th to 23rd November 2025.

Open qualifiers