North American esports organisation Complexity has announced its departure from Counter-Strike 2, ending a 20-year presence in the Counter-Strike competitive scene due to economic challenges in 2025.
In a video message posted on August 19th, Complexity Founder and CEO Jason Lake confirmed the organisation’s withdrawal from CS2, citing insufficient revenue to maintain a tier-one roster.
“After a real strong ’23 and ’24, 2025 in the esports economy has really been challenging for us,” Lake stated in the video. “Quite simply, we have not been able to drive enough revenue to afford to properly support a tier-one team.”
The Dallas-based organisation has been a mainstay in Counter-Strike since acquiring its first roster in 2004, competing for all but one of the past 24 years. During this period, Complexity secured notable victories at several majors over the last two decades.
Lake emphasised that while the organisation could have extended its presence in the scene, the decision was made to ensure proper treatment of players and staff. “We could have probably drug things out a bit longer, but we want to make sure that we do right by our players and the division, and this was the right thing for us to do,” he explained.
The departure coincides with the transfer of four Complexity players to Passion UA, an organisation owned by Ukrainian footballer Oleksandr Zinchenko. T.c had served as the team’s coach for over three years and worked alongside Johnny ‘JT’ Theodosiou for eight years before his departure. The South African coach’s return to the roster marks a significant reunion for the core group.
Economic Pressures Force Difficult Decision
Lake was transparent about the financial challenges facing the organisation, revealing that Complexity had explored all available options before making the decision.
“We have tried everything and turned over every rock and surfed for investment and revenue, but it’s just been an incredibly difficult time economically,” he shared.
The CEO acknowledged the disappointment this news would bring to fans and took personal responsibility for the situation. “I know this is disappointing to a lot of people, and I get it. I promise we did everything we could,” Lake revealed. “On some level I failed you all, so I’m sorry about that.”
Despite the departure from competitive play, Complexity confirmed it will complete its commitment to the PrizePicks Revival Series, maintaining some level of support for the Counter-Strike community.
When asked about a potential return to Counter-Strike, Lake indicated there are no immediate plans until the economic challenges are resolved.
“We have no immediate plans for that until one of the aforementioned challenges are solved,” he stated.
The departure marks the end of an era for one of North America’s most established esports organisations in Counter-Strike. Lake expressed gratitude to fans, players, and staff who supported the division throughout its two-decade run, calling it “an honour” to work alongside the team’s professionals through various challenges including extensive travel schedules.
“Leaving Counter-Strike is difficult for our gaming family. It’s difficult for me personally,” Lake stated. “That’s just the way it goes sometimes.”
