ESL FACEIT Group has introduced the suspension of its ladies’s Counter-Strike 2 circuit ESL Influence.
The operation of the circuit will stop following the conclusion of Season 8 in November.
Introduced on October third, 2025, ESL FACEIT Group shared it had “made the extremely tough determination” to droop the ESL Influence circuit, claiming that “the present financial mannequin is solely not sustainable.”
Over the previous seven seasons, ESL Influence has grow to be an inclusive surroundings for girls to compete in Counter-Strike, with a number of of the world’s largest esports organisations fielding rosters.
“Our dedication to creating a various and inclusive esports ecosystem stays a core worth of EFG, and we are going to proceed to assist the group,” learn an announcement from ESL Influence on social media.
The information has a major affect on the ladies’s Counter-Strike scene, which continues to draw new organisations and gamers. Now these groups will undoubtedly be searching for a circuit to showcase their skills. In January this yr, Imperial Fe turned the primary feminine workforce to qualify for IEM Katowice 2025, becoming a member of the likes of Group Vitality, NAVI, and Group Spirit on the Tier 1 occasion.
What Subsequent For Ladies’s Counter-Strike?
With ESL Influence ceasing operations in November, the way forward for feminine Counter-Strike stays unclear, with no different large-scale event organiser internet hosting occasions.
The choice has left a number of members of the group in shock, whereas others have expressed their need to proceed supporting the scene.
“This departure leaves a niche that can not be overstated,” mentioned Ninjas in Pyjamas Influence captain Ksenia ‘vilga’ Klyunekova. “With no energetic event organisers, our scene dangers dropping the very platform that retains competitors alive. Gamers want tournaments not solely to showcase their ability, however to develop, join and encourage future generations.”
In a joint assertion, MIBR, FlyQuest Purple, and Imperial Fe have reaffirmed their dedication to feminine Counter-Strike. “Along with FlyQuest RED and Imperial, we reaffirm our dedication to do every thing we are able to to maintain ladies’s Counter-Strike alive and thriving worldwide. However for this to occur, we want the facility of the group.
“MIBR will proceed to take a position, assist, and open new paths. The sport is simply really nice when it’s for everybody.”
