ESL FACEIT lays off 15% of global workforce

More esports layoffs are coming as one of the world’s largest esports tournament providers are downsizing personnel.

ESL FACEIT Group says it will lay off 15% of its total workforce last February 28.

“After a thorough evaluation of ESL FACEIT Group’s business needs and priorities, we made the difficult decision to reduce our global workforce. This reorganization will ensure EFG continues to evolve in a fast-paced market, and support the reorganization of EFG toward its primary business goals,” according to a press release from the company.

Craig Levine and Nic Maisto, co-CEOs of ESL FACEIT, told employees in a memo that they take responsibility for the said move.

“We understand how hard this is, especially for those who will no longer be a part of EFG. As co-CEOs, we did not make this decision lightly. We feel it’s important to take accountability for it, and provide clarity and transparency from the outset of the changes ahead,” said Craig and Nic in a statement uploaded to their company website.

The said layoffs will cover all divisions of the company worldwide. 

“All levels and departments of EFG were considered, with a focus on efficient staffing for our core products. These changes will further integrate our business units with one another and support our sustainable growth ambitions and profitability,” ESL FACEIT said.

The said move is seen as a shock to the esports and business community, as ESL had just recently announced partnerships with Blizzard Entertainment and EA Games.

Just last month, ESL and Blizzard announced a multi-year agreement to reinvigorate interest in the Overwatch 2 scene through through the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS).

ESL FACEIT, however, quashed any rumors of impact on their partnerships. “The reduction in our global workforce will have no impact on any partnership relationships. This

change is designed to support EFG’s sustainable growth ambitions and will enable us to adapt more quickly to publisher, sponsor, or other partner needs,” said ESL FACEIT.

The said layoffs are the second to hit the company since 2022, when they were bought by the Savvy Gaming Group – a company owned by the Saudi Arabian government’s Public Investment Fund.

“Since 2021, we have merged ESL, FACEIT and Vindex/EE into becoming the largest esports technology ecosystem in the world. We are bullish on the business and feel confident in our ability to grow and advance our strategic priorities, and if we make these changes now we’ll be set up for future success,” said ESL FACEIT about the overall sustainability of the company.

They also quashed rumors that Savvy is losing confidence in ESL FACEIT.

“Absolutely not,” the company says. “We have the full support of Savvy, but like many in the industry, we must adapt, become more efficient, and be more flexible as a company.”

The company says, all impacted employees are provided with financial support on a global scale, in addition to local considerations, and will have the opportunity to keep their laptops and mobile phones.

ESL hosts some of the most prestigious esports tournaments in the world, such as Intel Extreme Masters, ESL One, the ESL Pro Tour and Dreamhack.