Evil Geniuses (EG) finds itself on the brink of a complete withdrawal from competitive gaming, with only its VALORANT team left standing. The organization's unraveling began with the termination of its participation in ESL's Counter-Strike Louvre Agreement, marking the end of an era for the embattled esports giant.

On 22nd December, ESL officially confirmed EG's exit from the Louvre Agreement, revealing that both parties had mutually agreed to part ways, leaving EG's spot in the CS2 league system up for grabs from January 1. The vacant spot not only includes a direct invitation to the ESL Pro League but also access to other ESL-sanctioned events and a share in revenue streams, presenting a lucrative opportunity for aspiring esports squads.

EG's downward spiral was exacerbated by multiple last-place finishes at ESL Pro League events, triggering a review of its position within ESL's partner system, as per the ESL rulebook. Despite a third-place finish in the COVID-affected Season 12 of 2020, subsequent lackluster performances and minimal map wins hastened the organization's fall from grace.

The organization's woes deepened with the reported sale of its BLAST slot and the departure of key players, including Vincent "Brehze" Cayonte and Jadan "HexT" Postma. With only three players remaining, including veteran Timothy "autimatic" Ta, EG's once-storied Counter-Strike legacy appears to have reached its conclusion.

The VALORANT team, now the sole standard-bearer for EG, finds itself in an unenviable position. Trapped in a contractual limbo, the players face an uncertain future after EG chose not to renew their contracts, offering them the ultimatum of seeking alternative opportunities or accepting a pay cut. This decision comes on the heels of their remarkable triumph at VALORANT Champions 2023, further underscoring the organizational turmoil.

Also read: Cloud9 Reportedly Secures BLAST Spot from Evil Geniuses in Million-Dollar Deal

As the sun sets on Evil Geniuses' 24-year journey across various esports titles, it seems the final chapter is poised to unfold in 2024—not with a resounding bang, but rather with a somber whimper. The demise of EG serves as a cautionary tale in the volatile world of esports, reminding us of the ephemeral nature of success in a fiercely competitive arena.