Evil Geniuses (EG) will cease competitive and day-to-day operations on November 2nd, ending more than 25 years in esports.
The North American organisation confirmed the closure in a statement on its website and in a post on LinkedIn from Chris DeAppolonio, its Chief Executive Officer. According to the announcement, the decision followed an extended effort to build a sustainable path forward for the business.
EG pointed to conditions across the wider industry as the reason, citing constrained sponsorship and investment alongside the rising cost of competing at the top level. Despite sustained investment and the work of its staff, the organisation said it had concluded that the business “cannot be operated responsibly in the current environment.”
What the closure means for EG’s rosters
The organisation said it intended to wind down in an orderly fashion and to work with every player, coach and staff member affected. DeAppolonio wrote that all players across all of its rosters were free to speak with other organisations from the day of the announcement.
Its VALORANT players and coaches, however, will only be free to sign with new teams once the 2026 season ends on November 2nd, the same date operations cease. VALORANT is Riot Games’ tactical shooter and one of the titles EG expanded into during its most recent rebuild.
DeAppolonio also used the post to ask organisations that were hiring to speak to EG’s outgoing staff, adding: “I will personally vouch for every player, creator, and staff member who worked here.” He shared his direct email address and asked anyone with an opening or in need of a reference to get in touch. He said his aim was to help as many of the organisation’s people as possible find new roles over the coming months.
Evil Geniuses’ legacy in esports
In its statement, EG described itself as one of North America’s most recognisable esports brands, with a legacy built by the players, coaches, creators and staff who have represented it and by the fans who followed them through every era. The organisation and its ownership thanked everyone who had contributed over that time.
DeAppolonio said the past few years had been spent rebuilding how EG operated, claiming the organisation had stabilised its operations, restored public sentiment and grown its engagement and output while moving into new titles and building out a creator roster. He thanked the players, staff, partners and fans who supported the organisation, and said he could not have asked for a better team.
The announcement did not say whether any part of the business would continue beyond November 2nd, nor what would happen to EG’s brand or its creator roster after that date. The organisation said only that the wind-down would be handled in an orderly way, with support for those affected.
