Brace for Impact joins forces with ESL FACEIT Group to strengthen women’s CS2 scene

Brace for Impact has announced a partnership with esports tournament organiser ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) to support the women’s Counter-Strike 2 community.

The partnership will see the non-profit organisation use FACEIT Clubs to organise a range of competitive events across five regions throughout 2026.r

The deal comes three months after EFG suspended the ESL Impact circuit following the conclusion of its eighth season. It acted as the largest women’s CS2 competition in the world, providing players with a platform to showcase their skills.

ESL cited the circuit’s unsustainable economic model as a factor behind its closure, resulting in several esports organisations reaffirming their commitment to the growth of the women’s scene.

Brace for Impact co-founder ‘t4tiana‘ confirmed that the non-profit had secured a partnership and funding, enabling it to expand operations into 2026 as it looks to fill the void left by the absence of ESL Impact.

“We are running events the entire calendar year in five regions guaranteed, and maybe a little more on top,” revealed Brace for Impact co-founder Scott Park on social media.

Brace for Impact has already unveiled several online tournaments supported by the community. On January 17th, regional tournaments for the Americas, Oceania, Europe, and South Africa will take place, with prize pools ranging between $100 (~£74.18) and $500 (~£370.91).

Alongside the Cash Cups, players can compete on regional leaderboards using the FACEIT Clubs platform.

“This partnership enables us to carry on the Impact Cash Cup legacy, expanding our monthly prize pools, and growing from three regions to five,” said t4tiana. “We promise to provide consistent, inclusive, and rewarding events for FE CS.”

Partnering with EFG marks a significant step forward for the women’s Counter-Strike scene, as stakeholders continue to find more sustainable strategies to host events and provide support.