Evil Geniuses shuts down on November 2, 2026 after 27 years in esports

Evil Geniuses has officially confirmed that the organization will cease all competitive and day-to-day operations on November 2, 2026. This brings an end to an organization that was founded in 1999, marking 27 years in esports.

The shutdown date coincides with the end of VCT's 2026 contracts, meaning all Valorant players and coaches will automatically become free agents from that same date. This applies to both the main roster and EG Academy, which most recently competed on October 3 in the FunHaver circuit.

CEO Chris DeAppolonio cited structural challenges within the industry as the reason for the decision: limited sponsorship revenue and rising costs of competing at the top level have made it impossible to run the organization responsibly. He also stated that EG is actively helping players, coaches, and other staff find new opportunities.

EG's withdrawal from Valorant marks the end of five years in the game, having entered in 2021. The announcement came shortly after the eighth and final slot in VCT Americas' next partnership agreement was awarded to another organization, which effectively closed the door on EG's continued participation in the partnership-based system.

With the shutdown, EG's presence across all active titles will cease. Other rosters in Rocket League, Dota 2, Counter-Strike, and League of Legends had already been disbanded before the end of 2024.