ESL FACEIT Group undergoes layoffs amid ‘strategic realignment’

ESL FACEIT Group has undergone layoffs as part of its strategic realignment efforts.

The esports tournament organiser stated that the layoffs were part of a wider realignment aimed at ensuring long-term and sustainable growth.

In an internal memo obtained by Esports Insider, and sent to EFG staff, CEO Niccolo Maisto says the realignment has “involved incredibly tough choices,” and those who have been impacted by the layoffs have been contacted.

Maisto also revealed that the latest wave of layoffs is “the end of this phase of change” and doesn’t anticipate further redundancies to take place.

“Over the past year, we conducted a comprehensive review to make the business fit for purpose,” said Maisto in the memo. “This was not solely about cost-cutting, but a strategic realignment to reduce complexity, streamline operations, and focus resources on areas with the biggest growth potential.”

October’s layoffs follow a report from prominent esports journalist Richard Lewis, stating that between 200 and 300 people could be impacted by the changes that hope to drive sustainability.

This is the third instance of layoffs impacting ESL FACEIT Group following the merger of the two companies in 2022. In March 2024, the company laid off approximately 15% of its global workforce.

The latest wave of layoffs is another significant change to ESL FACEIT Group, despite continuing to secure partnerships with the likes of GRID, Red Bull, and Lamborghini.

In May, Craig Levine announced he would be stepping away from his position as co-CEO to take up an advisory role until the end of the year, resulting in Maisto becoming the sole CEO of the company.

Further streamlining of operations came to light in early October, with ESL FACEIT Group announcing the indefinite suspension of women’s Counter-Strike 2 ecosystem ESL Impact, placing the future of female Counter-Strike in doubt.