The Counter-Strike community is reeling after ESL FACEIT Group confirmed that ESL Impact, the flagship women’s Counter-Strike 2 circuit, will be suspended indefinitely after Season 8 wraps up this November.
Seeing how ESL Impact has helped shape this community over the last few years is inspiring.
Our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive esports ecosystem remains a core value for EFG, so we will use this time to explore new, sustainable initiatives that will better align…
— ESL Impact (@ESLImpact) October 4, 2025
Announced on October 3, the organisers said it was an “incredibly difficult decision,” citing an unsustainable economic model despite years of investment and global participation.
The End of an Era
Since launching in 2022, ESL Impact has been a vital platform for women in Counter-Strike, giving rise to teams like Nigma Galaxy Female, NAVI Javelins, and MIBR Impact. Across seven seasons, the league provided structure, visibility, and opportunities that had never existed before for female players.
Its eighth and final season will conclude in November at DreamHack Stockholm, marking the end of a project many consider essential to the growth of women’s esports.
“Money Is Not the Issue,” Fans Say
The announcement triggered an outpouring of frustration from players, fans, and esports personalities across social media. Many questioned how ESL could claim financial strain while being backed by Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group, a company with billion-dollar investments in esports.
“You’re getting billions from Saudi and selling €1000 tickets tfym money is the issue.” Another added, “Money is not an issue. They literally can’t spend it as an org. They just can’t be bothered to make more tournaments.”
Esports analyst @MnmzzzCS raised broader concerns about the company’s direction under its Saudi ownership.
Even if you don’t care about ESL Impact, take notice that it is at least the third CS product ESL has axed since being acquired by Saavy after the ESL National Championships and ESL Challenger LANs.
To me it seems that in the Saavy’s quest to turn EFG into a profitable…
— Mnmzzz – Jeff 🇺🇦 (@MnmzzzCS) October 4, 2025
Players and Teams Devastated
The reaction from professional players has been emotional. Ninjas in Pyjamas Impact captain Ksenia “vilga” Klyuenkova said the decision “leaves a gap that cannot be overstated,” stressing that women’s Counter-Strike risks losing its competitive foundation without tournament organisers to sustain it.
While we understand ESL’s decision, this marks a difficult moment for our community. They were the sole driving force behind creating opportunities for players and fans alike. ESL Impact was a beacon of hope and without their tireless effort, the competitive landscape within… https://t.co/unoI6ZMM3M
— vilga (@vilgaCS) October 3, 2025
Meanwhile, major teams including MIBR, FlyQuest RED, and Imperial Fe have issued a joint statement pledging to keep the scene alive.
https://t.co/jQspX2S6kT pic.twitter.com/lcI8fsIGUx
— MADE IN BRAZIL. (@MIBR) October 3, 2025
Some fans remain hopeful alternatives will emerge, “I know this is heartbreaking for many women in CS, but hopefully they won’t leave. Maybe something else comes around?”. Others weren’t so optimistic, “Tell us this is a joke…”.
What’s Next for Women’s CS2?
The future of women’s Counter-Strike now sits in uncertainty. With ESL Impact gone, there are currently no large-scale circuits dedicated to female players.
Some community figures are calling for rival organisers like PGL or StarLadder to step up.
While ESL says it will “explore new, sustainable initiatives” in the future, the loss of ESL Impact feels like a major setback for inclusivity and competition in the scene. For now, players and fans alike are rallying to keep the women’s Counter-Strike dream alive.