Esports organization Evil Geniuses will cease operations on Nov. 2 due to the difficulty posed by the “current environment,” it announced Tuesday night.
The Seattle-based Evil Geniuses were founded in 1999 and became one of North America’s top esports groups, competing in League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike and Valorant, and formerly Call of Duty, among others.
“Unfortunately, esports continues to face significant headwinds, including constrained sponsorship and investment coupled with rising costs of competing at the top level,” the team’s statement read.
“Despite sustained investment and the dedication of the EG team, it was concluded that the business cannot be operated responsibly in the current environment.
“For more than 25 years, Evil Geniuses has been one of North America’s most recognizable esports brands, with a legacy built by its players, coaches, creators, and staff, and by a fan community that has supported the organization through every era. EG and its ownership are grateful to everyone who has contributed to that legacy.”
Players and coaches will become free agents.
Among major events won by Evil Geniuses are The International 2015 (Dota 2) and the 2023 Valorant Champions. That 2015 Dota 2 team was led by then-teenager Syed Sumail “SumaiL” Hassan, who has had a career as one of the platform’s top players.
–Field Level Media
