Evil Geniuses to Shut Down After More Than 25 Years in Esports

One of the world's most recognised esports organisations, Evil Geniuses, will cease competitive and day-to-day operations on November 2, 2026, citing rising operating costs, limited sponsorship opportunities and financial sustainability challenges.

North American esports organisation Evil Geniuses (EG) has announced that it will shut down on November 2, 2026, bringing an end to more than 25 years of competitive gaming history.

CEO Chris DeAppolonio confirmed the decision on October 20, explaining that the organisation had been unable to establish a sustainable business model despite restructuring efforts and continued investment.

According to DeAppolonio, limited sponsorship opportunities and the increasing cost of competing at the highest level have created significant financial pressure throughout the esports industry.

Founded in 1999, Evil Geniuses became one of the most successful organisations in competitive gaming, achieving major victories across multiple disciplines.

Among its greatest achievements was winning The International 2015 in Dota 2, one of the most prestigious tournaments in esports history. EG also claimed the VALORANT Champions 2023 title and secured major Counter-Strike trophies, including ESL One New York 2019 and StarSeries Season 8.

The organisation had already withdrawn from professional Counter-Strike in January 2024 after struggling to maintain its earlier competitive success.

The shutdown will affect players, coaches, content creators and operational staff. DeAppolonio confirmed that team members are free to explore opportunities with other organisations, while VALORANT players and coaches will become available to sign new contracts after the 2026 competitive season ends on November 2.

EG has committed to managing the closure responsibly and supporting affected personnel during the transition.

The disappearance of such an established esports brand highlights the financial difficulties facing professional gaming organisations. Even with international recognition and historic championship victories, maintaining sustainable operations remains a major challenge in an increasingly expensive competitive environment.