All-women Counter-Strike 2 pro league ESL Impact will halt operations at the end up its upcoming finals

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.”