ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) is conducting a new round of layoffs, as announced in an internal memo from CEO Niccolo Maisto to staff today. The move is described as the final step in a strategic realignment aimed at “achieving long-term sustainability”.

In the memo, Maisto stated that since the formation of EFG, the business has “nearly tripled,” but this rapid growth introduced “complexity and inefficiency.” He stated that a year-long strategic review was necessary to, in his words, “reduce complexity, streamline operations, and focus resources on areas with the biggest growth potential.”

“Unfortunately, this involved incredibly tough choices, and we will be saying goodbye to some valued colleagues,” Maisto wrote. He assured remaining staff that this “marks the end of this phase of change,” and that no further changes of this scale are anticipated.

The full text of the internal memo from Maisto is published below:

“Hi team,

I want to give you an important update on where we stand as a business and what’s next.

Since the creation of EFG, our business has nearly tripled allowing us to create experiences that we could never have imagined. This rapid growth requires continuous investment, but also introduces complexity and inefficiency over time. To ensure we can grow sustainably and keep investing in our vision for the long term, we must consolidate our operations.

Over the past year, we conducted a comprehensive review to make the business fit for purpose. This was not solely about cost cutting, but a strategic realignment to reduce complexity, streamline operations, and focus resources on areas with the biggest growth potential. These steps are necessary to help us achieve long-term sustainability.

Unfortunately, this involved incredibly tough choices, and we will be saying goodbye to some valued colleagues. Those impacted have received separate communications. Please be supportive, gracious, and understanding as these changes take effect.

Critically, this marks the end of this phase of change. With these foundations in place, we don’t anticipate any further changes of this scale. We’ve now established a truly sustainable foundation while not only preserving our core capabilities but enabling us to better serve our partners and customers moving forward.

Thank you for your resilience and commitment. We have faced the hard decisions, and now, with a clear direction and efficient structure, we can shift our full energy to building the future of esports. I am very excited about the future of EFG. Let’s continue to build it together.”

This news follows reporting from esports journalist Richard Lewis in July 2025. At that time, sources suggested that layoffs could affect around 50 positions on the FACEIT platform side and potentially over 200 roles within ESL operations after the Esports World Cup 2025, which was being handled by EFG workforce.

Subsequent information indicated that the final number of redundancies was lower than the initial estimates. However, the exact number of employees affected has not been officially disclosed, with a spokesperson stating that “as a private company, we do not disclose internal personnel matters” after contact by The Esports Radar.

“We are very sorry to see people leave the business and are very grateful for all their hard work,” the spokesperson continued, adding that EFG is “fully committed to supporting our colleagues who are impacted by this transition. We owe it to them to act responsibly as we build a business capable of delivering over the long term.”

This is the most significant workforce reduction at EFG since February 2024, when approximately 15% of staff were let go. The company, owned by Savvy Games Group, has also seen senior leadership changes this year, with Co-CEO Craig Levine stepping down and moving to an advisory role.

The restructuring appears to extend beyond personnel, affecting key projects within the EFG portfolio. Earlier October, the group announced the suspension of the ESL Impact circuit, the premier global league for women’s Counter-Strike. In a statement at the time, EFG stated that “despite significant investment, the current economic model is simply not sustainable.”

The Esports Radar will follow further developments and update this story accordingly.