For seven seasons, ESL's Masters Series has been the biggest competition for non-IEM disciplines. Games like Pro Evolution Soccer and CS:Source have been part of the cup for some considerable time. In other words, EMS is for popular games that are just outside of the esports mainstream. But this season these fringe games will be joined by Warcraft III and Quake Live TDM.

Quake will be played in the standard 4v4 format with a prize fund of €750 Euros. By comparison, CS:Source gets €3,000 Euros, Call of Duty 4 gets €2,000 and Avalon Heroes gets a surprising €5,000 - the highest of all team games in the EMS. However, AH has heavy backing from the game's creators according to the official story. On the other hand, Quake's comparatively low payout is probably due to its inclusion as a dueling game in the IEM.

DoTA will not be appearing this season "due to the level of activity." The games for EMS are chosen based on a number of categories, including the number of matches played in ladders. For that reason, Dawn of War will also be making its exit this season.

As for WC3, it is one of only three 1v1 games. All of the solo titles receive the same €500 in prize money. The other two games in this category are Trackmania and Pro Evolution Soccer. Details of how to qualify for the EMS, which starts in September, will be available shortly according to ESL.

Source: ESL