During ESEA League Season 55, we are running a Next Big Caster initiative! We are looking for an upcoming great voice in Counter-Strike 2, and we want to give you the platform to shine. Here’s everything you need to know about getting involved.
1. Fill out this form to register interest
2. We will then reach out and promote your stream during the season
3. At the end of the regular season, we will narrow down a list of top amateur casters/streamers
4. The community will then do a public vote to decide who will be the Next Big Caster
5. The winner will then be flown to ESL Pro League to cast during the group stage for a paid gig and be mentored by talent on site
General Questions
What is the "Next Big Caster" initiative?
The Next Big Caster initiative is a promotion for ESEA League Season 55 designed to discover and highlight up-and-coming casting talent within the CS2 community. It's your chance to get noticed, gain experience, and win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cast at a world-class ESL Pro League event.
Who is eligible to participate?
This initiative is open to all amateur casters and streamers in the community who are passionate about official Counter-Strike and looking for their big break.
Is there a cost to enter?
No, participation in the Next Big Caster initiative is completely free. All you need is your passion, your setup, and your voice!
How to Participate
How do I sign up?
Getting involved is simple. There is a single, mandatory step to begin: fill out the official interest form here. Once you have submitted the form, you are officially in consideration.
What do I do after I fill out the form?
Start casting! You should be actively streaming and casting ESEA League Season 55 matches throughout the regular season. This is how our team and the community will discover your talent. Be sure to promote your streams on social media and tag @ESEA so we can share your streams.
What specific matches should I be casting?
You should focus on casting matches from ESEA League Season 55. This includes any division, from Open to Advanced. Casting these specific matches allows you to have hundreds of matches and teams to choose from and makes it easier for us to find and evaluate your work.
Please make sure to stream on the channel that you linked in the form so that we can easily keep track of your work.
How will ESEA promote my stream?
Throughout the season, ESEA League will be monitoring participating casters. We will actively promote and feature promising streams on our official social media channels, email, and FACEIT in-app notifications to help you gain visibility.
Selection Process & Prize
How is the winner chosen?
The selection process happens in two main stages:
- Internal Shortlist: At the conclusion of the ESEA League Season 55 regular season, our internal team within ESL will review all participants and narrow down the field to a list of the top amateur casters.
- Community Vote: This shortlist will be presented to the CS2 community, who will then cast their votes in a public poll to decide the winner.
What is the grand prize for the winner?
The winner of the Next Big Caster title will receive an incredible prize package, including:
- An all-expenses-paid trip to the upcoming ESL Pro League season in 2026.
- A paid gig to officially cast during the EPL group stage.
- An exclusive opportunity to be mentored by professional broadcast talent on-site, gaining invaluable feedback and industry insight.
What does "mentored by talent on site" involve?
This means you will get to go behind the scenes at a major tournament and connect with established, professional casters and analysts. They will provide direct feedback on your casting, share their knowledge of the industry, and offer guidance to help you develop your craft.
Are there any prizes for runners-up?
The primary prize is for the single winner. However, all casters who make the final community vote shortlist will receive promotion and recognition from ESEA, which is a valuable way to grow your personal brand and audience.