After the conterversial decision to drop WC3 in favour of its MMO cousin, the world will have its first chance to see if ESL's gamble paid off in September.

With a prize purse of $80,000 for each event, the stakes are high as some of the best gamers from Counter-Strike and World of Warcaft will compete at Digital Life from September 25 to 28. The second event, in Montreal, Canada, takes place between October 17 and 19 at the Sport Compact Performance Trade Fair.

The top two finishers will have to work their way through a field of sixteen teams in each games. Their reward, as well as the prize money, is an extra spot at the global finals for their continent. Detailed information of the finals is yet to be released.

With the WoW still in its esports infancy, the ESL has decided to allow teams to apply for a wildcard position. Fancy your chances against Neilyo, Hafu or Spoh? Head on over to the ESL page to apply.