As CS2 retirement looms, Evil Geniuses down to their final esports squad
Embattled North American Organization Evil Geniuses Faces Challenges in Esports
The world of esports is abuzz with the news of Evil Geniuses’ exit from ESL’s Counter-Strike Louvre Agreement. This latest development comes after the organization sold its BLAST slot and witnessed the departure of two players last week, leaving only their VALORANT roster intact.
In a mutual decision, ESL confirmed on December 22nd that Evil Geniuses would no longer be part of the CS2 league system. Starting January 1st, their spot will be up for grabs by another team, which includes an invitation to participate in ESL Pro League and other sanctioned events along with a share in revenue streams.
However, uncertainty looms over whether another team can secure this coveted spot before Valve makes changes to the competitive CS2 landscape. As partnered leagues like ESL Pro League are set to conclude before the start of the 2025 season, time is running out for potential contenders.
This turn of events follows multiple disappointing finishes by Evil Geniuses at sponsored events, specifically within ESL Pro League where they consistently placed last. Despite finishing third during Season 12 affected by COVID-19 impacts in 2020, they struggled thereafter and failed to secure significant wins.
In addition to their withdrawal from CSL’s Louvre Agreement, Evil Geniuses faced further setbacks due to reports of selling a similar slot with BLAST and losing most members from their main CS2 roster. Notable players Vincent “Brehze” Cayonte and Jadan “HexT” Postma joined NRG Esports, while Jeorge Endicott and Paytyn “Junior” Johnson joined Nouns Esports on December 19th. With only three players left, including veteran Timothy “autimatic” Ta, it’s evident that Evil Geniuses’ era in Counter-Strike is coming to a close.
As the organization’s VALORANT team remains their sole representation, it seems unlikely that they will continue under the failing Evil Geniuses brand. The players find themselves trapped in contractual limbo after being informed by EG management that they must seek other opportunities or face pay cuts—this announcement came just weeks after their remarkable victory at VALORANT Champions 2023.
In conclusion, the future appears uncertain for both Evil Geniuses and its VALORANT squad as the organization’s long-standing presence across multiple esports titles comes to an end. While not a grand finale but rather a quiet departure, this development underscores the challenges faced by even established organizations in the fast-paced world of esports.