Evil Geniuses to close on 2 November after more than 25 years

Evil Geniuses will stop competitive and day-to-day operations on 2 November 2026. The announcement, published on 20 October, ends the current operations of a brand that has been part of esports for more than 25 years.

EG’s website points to constrained sponsorship and investment, together with the rising cost of top-level competition. The organisation says it reached the decision after trying to establish a sustainable business and plans to work with affected players, coaches and staff during the wind-down.

Talking to teams and signing are different steps

Inven Global’s report of CEO Chris DeAppolonio’s statement says players across EG’s rosters can already speak to other organisations. Its VALORANT players and coaches become free to sign elsewhere on 2 November, when their 2026 season ends.

The departure also closes another chapter in a long Counter-Strike history. HLTV records EG’s first CS division in 2001 and its return in 2019 with the former NRG lineup. That team won ESL New York 2019 and StarSeries Season 8.

The next news is where its people go

For supporters following individual players, the immediate question is their next team. Permission to hold talks does not confirm a transfer, so any destination still needs an announcement. EG’s stated plan is to support the people affected as its operations end.