ESL Impact, the Counter-Strike 2 league created for women, announced that its operations will stop following its eighth season this November. It cited its current financial model as unfeasible.

“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,” according to the league’s announcement.

The league had an annual prize pool of $300,000, shared among multiple teams. ESL Impact has faced challenges since it began in 2022, having to eliminate tournaments and deal with several organizations pulling out from the competition. Ksenia “vilga” Kluenkova, captain of Ninjas in Pyjamas Impact, expressed gratitude to ESL Impact for their contribution, saying, “Without their tireless effort, the competitive landscape within women’s Counter-Strike would not have reached the level it has today.”

She also warned that the absence of ESL Impact could greatly affect the future of women’s Counter-Strike, as players need tournaments to showcase their abilities and inspire future generations. Kluenkova urged other organizations and partners to step up and support the community.