Counter Logic Gaming have “stepped back” from Counter-Strike, the organisation announced Thursday.
They will no longer field their primary or academy rosters, but will retain CLG Red, their women’s team, a spokesperson for CLG said.
This news follows a report by independent journal Jarek “DeKay” Lewis that CLG was leaving CS:GO due to internal financial issues within the team. CLG’s press release does not explain why the organisation is leaving CS:GO.
“CLG has been in competitive Counter Strike since the beginning of 2015. Since then, the competitive sport, community, and industry has grown massively into what it is today,” CLG wrote in a press release. “It has been amazing to see the collective rise of esports and CS:GO at the forefront of it. After several months of analysis and internal discussion around our business strategy, as well as the economics of the sport, we reached this difficult decision.”
“As great as the organisation is, I never felt that they were convinced in CSGO enough to dish out money to get the players needed to succeed,” FNS wrote.
“My entire goal in 2017 was to win or at least make a grand final and when we were coming close and making deep runs at tournaments, it seemed like a good idea to stay, but looking back, I should have just departed when Imapet did. Regardless of that, I’m glad I was able to fulfil my contract with CLG and stick out the entire year with them. Again, I wish the players and organisation nothing but the best of luck.”
CLG first entered CS:GO in 2015, and were often considered one of the stronger North American teams in the scene. CLG were also recently purchased by the Madison Square Garden Company, who own the New York Knicks, and acquired a spot in the North American League of Legends Championship Series.
In the press release CLG say they are “parting ways” with their main and academy CS:GO rosters, though DeKay’s initial report alleged that CLG would keep players under contract to sell them to other organisations.
Whether this is the end for Counter Logic Gaming, or they rise up again and conquer the CS:GO scene, we don’t know. One thing we do know; it’s going to be an interesting story to follow.
