Evil Geniuses shuts down after 27-year esports legacy
Historic organization Evil Geniuses will cease all operations on November 2, 2026, ending a 27-year run marked by world championships in Dota 2 and VALORANT. CEO Chris DeAppolonio cited unsustainable financial pressures from limited sponsorships and high competition costs.
Evil Geniuses announced on October 20 that it will cease operations on November 2, 2026. The shutdown concludes a 27-year legacy for one of North America's most decorated esports organizations, a run built on world titles across multiple games.
Founded in 1999, Evil Geniuses assembled a trophy case of over 200 wins. Its champions include The International 2015 in Dota 2, the 2023 VALORANT Champions title, and the 2018 Call of Duty World League championship. The roster of legends who competed under the EG banner spans generations, from StarCraft's Jaedong and IdrA to Dota 2's Arteezy and Cr1t- and fighting game icons like SonicFox.
Financial and Operational Challenges
CEO Chris DeAppolonio stated that limited sponsorship funding and the rising cost of competing at the top level forced the decision. The organization spent years trying to restructure its business model and stabilize operations. Recent improvements in brand reputation and content output were not enough. Chris DeAppolonio said: "EG cannot be operated responsibly in the current environment."
The closure follows a similar fate for other legacy brands like Complexity Gaming. Former EG figure Jacob "Maelk" Toft-Andersen called the closure sad but inevitable, and defended the current leadership as well-intentioned people who inherited damage they could not undo. All competitive players have been given permission to negotiate with other organizations immediately.
Roster Movement and Future Paths
The reigning VALORANT Champions 2023 roster is now free to seek new teams after the season ends on November 2. That championship-winning squad consisted of:
| Player | In-Game Name |
|---|---|
| Max Mazanov | Demon1 |
| Ethan Arnold | Ethan |
| Kelden Pupello | Boostio |
| Corbin Lee | C0M |
| Alexander Mor | jawgemo |
The organization will wind down in an orderly manner, fulfilling its remaining obligations to players, coaches, and staff. The statement did not specify if the EG brand or its creator roster will continue in any form after the shutdown. This move coincides with a broader industry contraction, including Riot Games' plan to cut partnered VALORANT teams from ten to eight per league starting in 2027.
Evil Geniuses expanded into new titles and built a creator roster in its final years, having previously exited Counter-Strike in 2023. DeAppolonio offered to personally vouch for every player and staff member, sharing his direct email for reference requests. The organization intends to permanently end all competitive and day-to-day activities on the announced date.
