Evil Geniuses shuts down after more than 25 years

Evil Geniuses, one of esport's oldest and most well-known organisations, is closing down. EG is discontinuing both its competitive teams and day-to-day operations effective 2 November 2026. The organisation announced this in a statement from CEO Chris DeAppolonio.

According to the statement, EG has spent recent years rebuilding the organisation from the ground up. It stabilised operations, restored its reputation, and expanded into new games and a roster of content creators. However, the esports industry still faces "significant headwinds", DeAppolonio writes, with limited sponsorships and rising costs of competing at the top level. Despite sustained investment, the conclusion is that the business "cannot be operated responsibly in the current environment".

All players across all of EG's teams are free to speak with other organisations as of today. VALORANT players and coaches may sign with new teams once the 2026 season concludes on 2 November. EG promises to wind down operations properly and work closely with all affected players, coaches, and staff.

DeAppolonio also addresses the industry directly: "If you are hiring, please talk to our people." He personally vouches for all players, creators, and staff who have worked at EG, and has made his own email address available to organisations that have an open position or need a recommendation.

EG was founded in 1999 and over the years has won some of esport's biggest titles, including The International in Dota 2 in 2015 and VALORANT Champions in 2023.

"To everyone who has ever worn the EG logo, to the fans who kept showing up, and to the partners who have supported the organisation for more than 25 years: thank you for everything," DeAppolonio concludes.