In a significant development for the women’s Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) scene, the ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) has announced it will suspend the ESL Impact circuit following the conclusion of its eighth season. The decision marks the end of the premier global league dedicated to women’s CS, which has been operating since 2022.

In a public statement, EFG explained the move, citing an unsustainable economic model. “We have made the incredibly difficult decision to suspend the ESL Impact circuit at the end of Season 8,” the group stated. “While ESL Impact has succeeded in its mission to raise the profile of women’s Counter-Strike, despite significant investment, the current economic model is simply not sustainable.”

EFG sought to reassure the community of its ongoing commitment, adding, “Our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive esports ecosystem remains a core value for EFG, and we will continue to support the community.” On its social media channel, the ESL Impact account added that it would “use this time to explore new, sustainable initiatives that will better align with our long-term vision.”

Community Reacts with Heartbreak and Resolve

The news has been met with disappointment from players and organisations who credit the circuit with transforming the women’s scene.

Ana “ANa” Dumbravă, a multi-champion of the league, expressed her sorrow, stating she was “heartbroken.” In a reflective post, she highlighted the circuit’s profound influence: “ESL Impact has changed my life, my career and gave my team opportunities that no female player had before.” She described the circuit as feeling “like part of a community, a family.”

She extended thanks to ESL Impact “for creating a space where every female player can feel safe, grow and inspire the future generation,” and called for collective action, saying, “Right now we need to stick together and think how can we make things better and keep the scene alive.”

Prominent organisations also voiced their concern. Jaime Padua, CEO of FURIA, described the closure as sad news and recognised the initiative as “the main force for the development of the women’s scene for many years.” He expressed hope that “other organisers and brands” would “join this movement.”

In a strong show of unity, teams FlyQuest RED, MIBR, and Imperial issued a joint statement describing the end of ESL Impact as “a heavy blow.” The organisations reaffirmed their “commitment to do everything we can to keep women’s Counter-Strike alive and thriving worldwide.” However, they emphasised that community support is vital, stating, “The future of women’s CS depends on all of us.”

The announcement has also sparked wider discussion about the structure of esports. British journalist Dom Sacco connected the decision to EFG’s ownership by the Saudi Arabian Savvy Games Group, commenting, “I’ve said before that the problem with a growing monopoly like Saudi is that if they get bored of esports or decide to cut back, we’re at their mercy.”

In the wake of the suspension, other tournament organisers are already positioning themselves to fill the void. Heather “sapphiRe” Garozzo, President of Raidiant, which runs women’s events in other titles, publicly reached out to brands, saying, “If any brands want to work with me to save Women’s Counter-Strike, my DMs are open. Let’s figure out how to save CS2.”

Similarly, Brazilian tournament organiser FERJEE, which runs its own women’s Counter-Strike circuit, announced that its ‘Rainhas’ tournament will be going international in 2026, declaring, “FERJEE will not let the women’s scene end.”

As the community prepares for the ESL Impact Season 8 Finals in Stockholm this November, the search for a new, sustainable future for women’s Counter-Strike is now underway.