Since its inception in 2014, the Halo Championship Series (HCS) has made significant strides in the world of competitive gaming. The journey began with the highly anticipated Halo 2: Anniversary, which not only crowned the first season champions, Evil Geniuses, but also delivered a series of unforgettable moments that shaped the landscape of Halo esports. The following year marked a pivotal transition to Halo 5: Guardians, introducing a new era of competition and the innovative Halo World Championship format.
Fast forward to 2021, the launch of Halo Infinite elevated the HCS to unprecedented heights. Over the next few months, HCS is set to host two major tournaments, culminating in the highly anticipated Halo World Championship scheduled for October 24-26. This championship will not only crown a new world champion but also signal the end of Halo Infinite as an official title in the HCS competition. Although HCS plans to continue supporting Halo Infinite and its tournament scene until 2026, the focus will shift away from it after this year's championship event.
As the studio prepares for the next chapter of Halo, the decision to retire Halo Infinite from official HCS competition is seen as timely. Year 4 will mark the conclusion of HCS events for this title, making it a unique opportunity for fans and players to participate in a significant moment in Halo esports history. The launch of Halo Infinite was accompanied by exciting features such as a ranked playlist, tournament maps, observer mode, and team cosmetics—all available from Day 1. In just three days after the launch, the first tournaments kicked off, showcasing our commitment to the community.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the players, fans, staff, and partners who have shown unwavering support for Halo Infinite and HCS. This period in the rich 24-year history of Halo has been truly special. HCS events have transformed into a vibrant gathering place for the entire community, allowing fans of all backgrounds to come together and share their love for Halo. The experiences and lessons learned during this time have been invaluable, influencing both the studio and the games in development.
As we approach the end of Year 4 for Halo Infinite, it’s notable that this title has held major competition longer than any other in the franchise. Players have consistently impressed us with their skill, and the level of competition continues to soar. Upcoming major events include the HCS Major Salt Lake City, hosted by Spacestation Gaming, and the HCS Major Charlotte, hosted by FaZe. These tournaments will lead to the final Halo World Championship 2025, where the last champion for Halo Infinite will be crowned, along with the MVP for Year 4 and the entire duration of HCS for Halo Infinite.
Looking towards 2026, while the studio shifts focus to the future of Halo, there will still be opportunities for online and LAN competitions for Halo Infinite. Events will continue to offer prizes and support for player travel, including competitions for Halo 5 and Master Chief Collection (MCC). The competitive community's passion for gaming is unwavering, and we are committed to providing avenues for continued play and competition. Additionally, 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of Halo, and we plan to celebrate this milestone in grand style alongside the entire community.
Stay tuned for exciting updates during the Halo World Championship this year, where we will unveil initial details of what’s ahead. As for the return of official HCS competition for a new title, while we eagerly await that moment, it will not occur in 2026. We promise to keep the community informed with the latest developments, with further updates expected late next year.
