ESL has introduced that it has terminated its partnership with Evil Geniuses, which noticed the CS2 workforce achieve computerized entry to many necessary tournaments on the ESL Professional Tour. This partnership, often called the Louvre Settlement, stays in place for loads of different groups on the pinnacle of Counter-Strike.
![Evil Geniuses](https://www.esports.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Evil-Geniuses-CS2-Louvre-Agreement-ESL.jpg)
Credit score: Igor Bezborodov | © ESL
Evil Geniuses Finish ESL Partnership
The information comes amidst persistent rumors that Evil Geniuses is planning to stop esports altogether. EG has been promoting its CS2 division piece-by-piece these days, with simply autimatic and Walco remaining on the energetic roster. It appears unlikely we’ll ever see the CS2 workforce compete once more. Just a few days again, Evil Geniuses offered its BLAST Partnership slot to Cloud9, including gas to the fireplace of those rumors. Now, it appears arduous to disclaim.
In keeping with ESL’s preliminary announcement, the partnership will formally finish on January 1st, 2024, when Evil Geniuses will stop to be a member of the Louvre Settlement. Slightly than promoting their partnership to a different group, it’ll as a substitute grow to be one other ESL World Rating slot, which appears much more within the spirit of honest competitors.
So – why didn’t one other workforce buy the slot? We are able to consider one purpose.
Valve is killing the Louvre Settlement
Earlier this yr, it was introduced that Valve could be killing Partnered Leagues in Counter-Strike from 2025. Which means groups will qualify for each event (no matter organizer) on advantage, selling a stage enjoying subject between aggressive CS2 groups.
![Evil Geniuses](https://www.esports.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Counter-Strike-Level-Playing-Field.jpg)
Credit score: Valve
Any group taking up EG’s place as a Associate Group must pay a fairly penny for only a yr’s value of advantages. Cloud9 had already bought the BLAST spot, and had been by no means going to double dip by way of ESL. It’s comprehensible that no different workforce has seen it as a viable funding for one yr.