ESL One Cologne map pool revised

Last week, ESL's product manager, Alexander "crtmN" Nehr, had already revealed via Twitter that the organisation would update the map pool for ESL One Cologne, the organisation's upcoming $250,000 event that will take place under the wings of GamesCom from August 14th to 17th.

The ESL has now confirmed that it will be adopting the "active duty map" pool, a designation introduced by July 2nd's update, which means that de_cache, de_cobblestone and de_overpass have been added to the list.

On the other hand, de_train, the most vetoed map at EMS One Katowice and one inserted into the "Reserve Map list", is off the map pool for the event.

The following seven maps will be played at EMS One Cologne

• de_nuke
• de_dust2
• de_inferno
• de_mirage
• de_cache
• de_cobblestone
• de_overpass
  

Meanwhile, the ESL has announced changes to the veto system. Every match, regardless of whether it is played in a best-of-one or best-of-three format, will be preceded by both teams vetoing until three maps are left.

The ESL will then use a random map generator to select, out of the three maps, the one that will be played, in case it is a best-of-one match, or the map that will be the decider, if it is a best-of-three contest.

"This randomized potential third map or even map to play gives teams new options and things to consider while banning maps," the ESL stated.

"With train, the most banned map, out of the way, new options arise here.

"Do you either ban those maps that your opponents are known to be good at or do you ban the new maps which could be a good or bad choice for both teams."

You can find the updated rulebook for ESL One Cologne by going here.