Evil Geniuses Bids Farewell to Counter-Strike Once Again
Evil Geniuses has officially announced their departure from Counter-Strike, marking the end of their second stint in the franchise. This decision comes after four years since the organization acquired the NRG roster in September 2019.
Over the past two months, EG parted ways with various Counter-Strike players, with Timothy "autimatic" Ta and Colby "Walco" Walsh being the final members to leave the primary roster last week. Notably, many players did not receive acknowledgement of their time with the organization until the official announcement today.
The Highs and Lows of being Geniuses
The NRG roster, under the Evil Geniuses banner, enjoyed success, briefly reaching the No. 1 spot in the world rankings and securing notable victories, including ESL One New York 2019. However, the team's performance took a downturn in the online era, leading to significant challenges.
EG win ESL One New York 2019.Image Source: Bart Oerbekke / ESL
From 2021 onward, EG witnessed disastrous results, and roster changes transformed the team into a mere shadow of its former self. A series of unfortunate events, including a staff member's hubris after a single best-of-three win over Heroic, and a complaint against a fun skit by ESL, further contributed to a decline in the organization's reputation.
The full skit can be watched HERE, starting at 06:41:15.
Controversies and Mismanagement: A Tarnished Image
Allegations of mismanagement and poor working conditions within the organization added fuel to the fire. CEO Nicole LaPointe Jameson's departure amid accusations, coupled with reports of the VALORANT team being in "contract jail," further tarnished EG's image.
The departure from Counter-Strike did not come as a surprise, as earlier reports indicated EG's intention to exit the scene. The organization steadily severed ties, selling its BLAST Premier partnership spot to Cloud9, terminating the Louvre Agreement with ESL, releasing their Valorant Game Changers, and withdrawing from the League Championship Series in League of Legends.
A report by Richard Lewis in November hinted at a potential sale or the complete folding of the EG brand, attributing it to a combination of economic challenges and internal struggles. As the organization bids adieu to Counter-Strike, uncertainties loom over its future in the esports landscape.
An End to an Era
Evil Geniuses' departure from Counter-Strike marks the closure of a chapter that saw both triumphs and tribulations. The organization, once celebrated for reaching the pinnacle of the Counter-Strike world rankings and lifting prestigious trophies, faced a tumultuous journey that ultimately led to this farewell.
As fans and the esports community reflect on EG's journey, the departure sparks a poignant moment of retrospection. The highs, such as ESL One New York 2019, now stand in contrast to the struggles of recent times. The dynamic shifts within the team, controversies, and internal challenges have etched a complex narrative in the annals of Counter-Strike history.
Featured Image Source: Evil Geniuses
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