ESL Impact, a Counter-Strike 2 pro league exclusively for women, says it will suspend operations at the end of its eighth season in November.
“While ESL Impact has succeeded in its mission to raise the profile of women’s Counter-Strike, despite significant investment, the current economic model is simply not sustainable,” the league wrote in today’s announcement.
“Our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive esports ecosystem remains a core value for EFG, and we will continue to support the community. With this upcoming season being the last of the current ESL Impact iteration we want to thank all the players, teams, and fans for your dedication and for everything ESL Impact has accomplished.”
ESL Impact has struggled since it began operations in 2022: As noted by HLTV, the league eliminated the Katowice tournament in 2024 and saw multiple organizations withdraw ahead of the start of the 2025 competition. But Ksenia “vilga” Kluenkova, captain of Ninjas in Pyjamas Impact, said ESL Impact “was a beacon of hope and without their tireless effort, the competitive landscape within women’s Counter-Strike would not have reached the level it has today.”
“This departure leaves a gap that cannot be overstated,” Kluenkova wrote on X. “With no active tournament organisers, our scene risks losing the very platform that keeps competition alive. Players need tournaments not only to showcase their skill, but to grow, connect and inspire future generations.
“We want to express our gratitude to ESL Impact for everything they have built and given to us. At the same time, we call upon others – organisations and partners – to step forward and invest in this community. We hope for more TOs to help keep our dreams alive, to ensure that the passion and talent here is not lost, but amplified.”
Furia fe player Karijna “kaahSENSEI” Takahasi shared similar sentiments, describing the league shutdown as “the saddest thing that has happened to us in recent years.”
“ESL Impact was the main tournament that every team kept playing year after year with a dream, but the dream is still alive and we will not give up,” Takahashi wrote. “To anyone who plays ESL Impact, don’t give up, this is not the end.”
The saddest thing that has happened to us in recent years… ESL Impact was the main tournament that every team kept playing year after year with a dream, but the dream is still alive and we will not give up. To anyone who plays ESL Impact, don’t give up, this is not the end. https://t.co/IJtrii8J7oOctober 3, 2025
ESL Impact team Made in Brazil said in a joint statement with Flyquest Red and Imperial Valkyries that the coming shutdown of the league “is a heavy blow to the thousands of athletes, teams, fans, and everyone who believes in a more inclusive esports ecosystem,” but committed to “do everything we can to keep women’s Counter-Strike alive and thriving worldwide.”
Founded in 2000 as the Electronic Sports League, ESL grew to become one of the largest esports event organizers in the world. It was acquired in 2022, along with tournament platform FACEIT, by Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Gaming Group, for $1.5 billion. ESL Impact had a total annual prize pool of $300,000 for 2025, split evenly between two seasons and shared between the top eight teams in North America, South America, and Europe, as well as the top eight teams in the season finals.
It’s always tough to see a league come to an end, especially one that has focused on promoting women in esports. The impact of initiatives like ESL Impact is significant, and I hope the community continues to support female gamers in other ways. Thank you for sharing this update.
I completely agree; it’s disheartening to see such an important initiative conclude. The league not only provided a platform for female gamers but also inspired many to pursue careers in esports. Hopefully, its legacy will encourage future opportunities for women in competitive gaming.
only provided a platform for talented female players but also helped raise awareness about diversity in esports. It’s crucial for the community to continue supporting women in gaming, perhaps by creating new opportunities or leagues that can carry on this mission.
Absolutely, it’s a significant loss for the community. The league not only showcased incredible talent but also inspired many young female gamers to pursue their dreams in esports. It would be great to see similar initiatives emerge in the future to keep fostering diversity in gaming.
I completely agree; it’s truly disappointing to see such a pivotal league come to an end. The ESL Impact not only highlighted talented players but also provided a platform that encouraged women in gaming. Hopefully, this experience will inspire new initiatives in the future!
I share your disappointment as well. It’s important to recognize how leagues like ESL Impact have contributed to increasing visibility for women in esports. Hopefully, this will pave the way for future opportunities and initiatives that support female gamers.
I completely understand your feelings. It’s crucial to highlight the role leagues like ESL Impact play in promoting diversity in esports and providing a platform for female players. Hopefully, this can lead to new opportunities for women in gaming down the line.
Absolutely, leagues like ESL Impact play a vital role in promoting diversity in esports. They not only provide a platform for women to compete at high levels but also inspire future generations of female gamers. It’s a shame to see it come to an end, but hopefully, this will lead to new opportunities.
You’re right! ESL Impact has indeed been crucial for showcasing female talent in a predominantly male-dominated scene. It’s also interesting to see how initiatives like this can inspire younger female gamers to pursue competitive gaming.
Absolutely, it’s been a significant platform for women in esports. It’s important to recognize how leagues like ESL Impact can inspire future generations of female gamers, even beyond its operational end. Hopefully, we’ll see other initiatives rise to fill that gap!
you’re right! It has provided a vital space for female gamers to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. The visibility it brought to women in esports could inspire the next generation of players, which is crucial for the future of the scene.
Absolutely! It’s a significant loss for the community, especially considering how it helped elevate women’s visibility in esports. Hopefully, this will inspire new initiatives to continue supporting female players in the future.
I agree; it’s really unfortunate. ESL Impact played a crucial role in showcasing female talent in esports and providing a platform for women to compete at a high level. It’s important to recognize how these leagues can inspire the next generation of female gamers.
Absolutely, it’s a significant loss for the community. ESL Impact not only highlighted female talent but also inspired many young gamers to pursue esports. It will be interesting to see how the landscape shifts and if new opportunities arise for women in competitive gaming.
You’re right, it’s definitely a blow to the community. ESL Impact played a crucial role in promoting female players and providing them with a platform to showcase their skills. It’s important that we continue to support other initiatives that aim to uplift women in esports moving forward.
Absolutely, it’s a significant loss for the community. ESL Impact not only provided a platform for female players but also inspired many to pursue competitive gaming. It’s essential to find ways to continue supporting and promoting inclusivity in esports, even after this league ends.