Battlefield REDSEC Open Series delayed to 2026

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 10/12/2025

EA’s Battlefield REDSEC Open Series has been delayed from its original December start date to 2026. 

According to EA, the delay is due to “an in-game specific issue.” This issue does not affect the REDSEC Elite Series, the content creator and established pro side of the proposed two-tier ecosystem.

Why is the REDSEC Open Series delayed?

The only information revealed by EA’s REDSEC Open Series delay announcement is that it is related to “an in-game specific issue.” They state that “extra time will allow us to resolve issues and create a smoother experience.” 

Although there is no explicit indication as to where this “issue” lies, there are some clues to be found. Despite the Open Series being delayed, the Elite Series is still set to begin on December 10th. 

Therefore, it likely affects an area that the Elite Series would not be impacted by. 

Both the Open and Elite Series include the Battle Royale and Gauntlet Game modes. However, in the Elite Series, competitors play a new “competitive version” of Gauntlet. 

This “competitive version” has specific map and mode combinations with an extended round timer. 

Meanwhile, the Open Series appears to be set to play on the standard Gauntlet mode. 

Seeing as both the Open and Elite Series appear to be using the same Battle Royale mode, it is highly likely that the “in-game specific issue” delaying the REDSEC Open Series is one found in Gauntlet. 

Otherwise, the Elite Series would face potential competitive-integrity issues in its earlier launch. 

EA states that information regarding the new REDSEC Open Series schedule will be released “in the new year.” 

Delays put the amateur league out of sync with the Elite Series

When the official Battlefield REDSEC Esports ecosystem launched, split into the parallel REDSEC Open Series and REDSEC Elite Series, the two tiers of competition were intended to run in tandem. 

However, the new Open Series delay puts the two out of sync. 

EA’s original announcement stated that the Open Series was meant to serve as a clear competitive pathway to the Elite Series, as well as a space for non-professional esports players to break into a new esports ecosystem. 

With the Elite Series now ahead of the Open Series in scheduling, it is unclear how or when the Open Series will re-integrate into that system. 

Battlefield has never been able to offer players a stable esports circuit, so many players’ hopes of competing professionally lie in the REDSEC Open Series. As a result, there will likely be some frustration with the delay. 

Nevertheless, the Elite Series will still go ahead, offering a degree of security for anyone anxious about the Open’s future. 

It is unlikely that the amateur side of the league would be dropped, given the need to feed new talent into an Elite Series crowded with content creators and FPS pros from other game titles. 

Confirmed dates for the REDSEC Elite Series schedule 

The Elite Series Season 1 schedule is as follows: 

• Match Day 1: Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 (EMEA region starts at 16:00 GMT)
• Match Day 2: Thursday, December 11th, 2025 (EMEA region starts at 16:00 GMT)
• Match Day 3: Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 (EMEA region starts at 16:00 GMT)
• Season Finals: Thursday, December 18th, 2025 (EMEA region final starts at 18:00 GMT)

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Hannah is a journalist specialising in the esports, gaming, and technology sectors. Working for outlets such as Dot Esports, Esports Insider, and of course ENUK, she has developed a love for wider esports, Apex Legends, and advocating for women's esports initiatives. You may have seen her at various esports and gaming events, including ALGS LANs, ESI London, EGX, and watch parties.

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