North American esports organisation Complexity has introduced its departure from Counter-Strike 2, ending a 20-year presence within the Counter-Strike aggressive scene on account of financial challenges in 2025.
In a video message posted on August nineteenth, Complexity Founder and CEO Jason Lake confirmed the organisation’s withdrawal from CS2, citing inadequate income to take care of a tier-one roster.
“After an actual robust ’23 and ’24, 2025 within the esports financial system has actually been difficult for us,” Lake said within the video. “Fairly merely, we now have not been capable of drive sufficient income to afford to correctly assist a tier-one staff.”
The Dallas-based organisation has been a mainstay in Counter-Strike since buying its first roster in 2004, competing for all however one of many previous 24 years. Throughout this era, Complexity secured notable victories at a number of majors over the past 20 years.
Lake emphasised that whereas the organisation may have prolonged its presence within the scene, the choice was made to make sure correct therapy of gamers and employees. “We may have in all probability drug issues out a bit longer, however we wish to make it possible for we do proper by our gamers and the division, and this was the proper factor for us to do,” he defined.
The departure coincides with the switch of 4 Complexity gamers to Ardour UA, an organisation owned by Ukrainian footballer Oleksandr Zinchenko. T.c had served because the staff’s coach for over three years and labored alongside Johnny ‘JT’ Theodosiou for eight years earlier than his departure. The South African coach’s return to the roster marks a major reunion for the core group.
Financial Pressures Power Tough Choice
Lake was clear concerning the monetary challenges dealing with the organisation, revealing that Complexity had explored all obtainable choices earlier than making the choice.
“We’ve tried the whole lot and turned over each rock and surfed for funding and income, however it’s simply been an extremely tough time economically,” he shared.
The CEO acknowledged the frustration this information would carry to followers and took private duty for the scenario. “I do know that is disappointing to lots of people, and I get it. I promise we did the whole lot we may,” Lake revealed. “On some stage I failed you all, so I’m sorry about that.”
Regardless of the departure from aggressive play, Complexity confirmed it is going to full its dedication to the PrizePicks Revival Collection, sustaining some stage of assist for the Counter-Strike group.
When requested a few potential return to Counter-Strike, Lake indicated there aren’t any rapid plans till the financial challenges are resolved.
“We’ve no rapid plans for that till one of many aforementioned challenges are solved,” he said.
The departure marks the top of an period for one in all North America’s most established esports organisations in Counter-Strike. Lake expressed gratitude to followers, gamers, and employees who supported the division all through its two-decade run, calling it “an honour” to work alongside the staff’s professionals by way of numerous challenges together with intensive journey schedules.
“Leaving Counter-Strike is tough for our gaming household. It’s tough for me personally,” Lake said. “That’s simply the way in which it goes generally.”
