Look Sports Media – Esports tournament behemoth ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) is once again facing turbulent waters, as a new round of layoffs has impacted between 80 and 90 employees. The move, described internally as a "strategic realignment," comes after a period of rapid expansion for the company.
The news, initially reported with potentially higher numbers by veteran esports journalist Richard Lewis, was confirmed via an internal email obtained by both Esports Insider and Lewis himself. The email, penned by EFG CEO Niccolo Maisto, frames the layoffs as a necessary step to ensure the company’s long-term sustainable growth. Maisto states that the organization has nearly tripled since the merger of ESL and FACEIT in 2022, leading to complexities and inefficiencies that need addressing.
According to the email, the "strategic realignment" aims to reduce complexity, streamline operations, and focus resources on areas with the biggest growth potential. Maisto assures staff that this marks the "end of this phase of change" and that no further large-scale changes are anticipated. A global town hall meeting has been scheduled for October 16th to address employee questions and concerns.
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This marks the third wave of layoffs for EFG since the merger. In March 2024, approximately 15% of the global workforce was affected. Additionally, May saw Craig Levine step down as co-CEO, leaving Maisto as the sole CEO. Just earlier this month, ESL announced the indefinite suspension of its ESL Impact women’s CS2 circuit.
Despite the cuts, EFG remains focused on upcoming projects, including the Esports World Cup and the inaugural Esports Nation Cup in 2026. Lewis reports that some laid-off staff may be offered freelance opportunities through the budgets allocated to these events. The future of EFG is uncertain, but the company insists that these changes will allow them to better serve their partners and customers moving forward.
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