Competitive Counter-Strike 2 fans can expect to see a familiar face – or rather, screen – at major tournaments. ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) has announced a partnership with ZOWIE, designating the monitor manufacturer as the official monitor partner for all Counter-Strike 2 competitions within the ESL Pro Tour. This collaboration ensures professional players will continue to compete on high-performance ZOWIE monitors, known for their speed and responsiveness.
The multi-year agreement, confirmed on January 29, 2025, will see ZOWIE’s 600Hz monitors utilized at ESL Pro Tour events throughout the 2026 and 2027 seasons. This commitment to high refresh rates aims to provide players with a competitive edge, minimizing visual lag and maximizing clarity during fast-paced gameplay. The partnership underscores the importance of high-quality hardware in the professional esports landscape.
Specifically, the partnership encompasses several key events within the ESL Pro Tour circuit. These include IEM Cologne, IEM Rio, IEM Atlanta, and IEM Krakow, alongside all seasons (23 through 26) of the ESL Pro League. These eight events represent the core of the ESL Pro Tour through the 2028 season, according to an official press release from ESL FACEIT Group.
ZOWIE monitors are already favored by many professional players for their focus on competitive performance. The company specializes in creating displays designed to minimize input lag and provide a clear, consistent visual experience. The integration of ZOWIE’s 600Hz monitors into the ESL Pro Tour standardizes the playing field, ensuring all competitors have access to the same high-quality hardware. According to settings shared by ESL Gaming, professional players often utilize a color temperature of “Normal,” brightness of 91, and contrast of 60 on ZOWIE monitors. These settings are often replicated by aspiring professionals and enthusiasts seeking to emulate the experience of top-tier competition.
IEM Krakow 2026 to Feature ZOWIE Monitors
The partnership extends to specific upcoming events, including the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Krakow 2026 Counter-Strike 2 tournament. Esports Insider reported on January 27, 2026, that ZOWIE will be the official monitor provider for this event, further solidifying their presence within the ESL Pro Tour ecosystem.
ESL FACEIT Group Continues to Invest in Esports Infrastructure
This partnership with ZOWIE is part of a broader strategy by ESL FACEIT Group to enhance the overall esports experience. As noted in a LinkedIn post from February 3, 2026, EFG teams are actively working to improve all aspects of event production, from broadcast quality to player comfort. The selection of ZOWIE monitors is a direct result of this commitment to providing the best possible environment for competitive play.
The collaboration between ESL FACEIT Group and ZOWIE highlights the growing importance of specialized hardware in professional esports. As the competitive landscape continues to evolve, ensuring players have access to cutting-edge technology will be crucial for maintaining a level playing field and delivering a compelling viewing experience for fans. The continued use of ZOWIE monitors throughout the ESL Pro Tour promises to deliver a consistently high standard of visual performance for years to come.
Looking ahead, the success of this partnership will likely influence hardware choices in other esports titles. The focus on high refresh rates and low input lag is expected to become increasingly prevalent as players demand the best possible equipment to maximize their performance. Share your thoughts on the partnership and the future of esports hardware in the comments below.
