Evil Geniuses to shut down all operations on November 2

In a statement signed by CEO Chris DeAppolonio, the organization pointed to the economic state of the industry:

Esports continues to face significant headwinds, including limited sponsorship and the rising cost of competing at the top level. Despite sustained investment and the dedication of the EG team, it’s been concluded that the business cannot be operated responsibly in the current environment.

DeAppolonio said the past few years were spent rebuilding the org, stabilizing operations, restoring public sentiment and expanding into new titles and content creation, but that this was not enough to make the business sustainable.

What happens to the players

Effective immediately, every player on every EG roster is free to talk to other organizations. EG’s VALORANT players and coaches will be free to sign with new teams once the 2026 season ends on November 2. DeAppolonio also made a direct appeal to the industry, offering to personally vouch for every player, creator and staff member, and invited teams with openings to reach out at [email protected].

EG and League of Legends

EG’s history in League of Legends goes back over a decade. In 2013, the org picked up the CLG.EU roster led by Froggen, competing in the EU LCS before leaving the scene the following year.

The org returned to League in 2020, taking over Echo Fox’s LCS franchise spot. Its peak came in 2022: with a roster of Impact, Inspired, jojopyun, Danny and Vulcan, EG swept 100 Thieves 3-0 to win the LCS Spring Split, the first League title in the organization’s history. That victory sent EG to MSI 2022, and the team also qualified for Worlds that year.

EG left the LCS at the end of 2023 as the league reduced its number of teams. Outside of League, the org’s biggest recent achievement remains its VALORANT Champions 2023 title.

To everyone who has ever worn the EG logo, to the fans who kept showing up, and to the partners who supported this org over the last 25+ years: thank you for everything

DeAppolonio concluded.