The American organization Complexity Gaming has officially announced its withdrawal from Counter-Strike 2. Founder and owner of the club Jason Lake released a special video message, where he spoke about the difficult decision and the main factors that forced the team to close this chapter of its history.
Economic Crisis and Inability to Support the Roster
An update from @JasonBWLake pic.twitter.com/C6MQxk44Zr
— Complexity (@Complexity) August 19, 2025
According to Lake, the key reason was serious financial difficulties and the lack of sufficient investment to keep the roster at the tier-1 level.
We are leaving Counter-Strike, and our team and division will move on. As you can imagine, this is a hard day for us. We love Counter-Strike very much — said Jason Lake.
The Complexity owner emphasized that 2023 and 2024 were rather successful for the club, but in 2025 the organization was unable to generate enough revenue to compete at the world-class level.
We tried everything, turned over every stone, and searched for investments and sources of income, but this is an incredibly difficult time economically. The revenue cuts this year have, in a way, forced us to make this decision — he explained.
Gratitude to Players and Fans
Lake highlighted the efforts of the players and the team’s management, particularly Remy, as well as the fans who had supported Complexity for years:
I want to sincerely thank, first of all, our fans, for being so loyal and incredible to this division, to our organization, and to our gaming family
A Possible Return?
The future of Complexity in Counter-Strike remains uncertain. Jason Lake noted that a return would only be possible after resolving financial issues. For now, the organization will focus on other areas. At the same time, all planned events, including the NA Revival Series in 2026, will be held as scheduled.
Community Reaction
The news of Complexity’s exit from CS2 caused a strong reaction among fans. On social media and in Telegram discussions, users shared both emotions and memories of the team’s performances.
Some fans reacted harshly and with disappointment:
- “Nobody cares about them anymore,” wrote one user, receiving dozens of reactions.
- “They really ruined such a team…” another concluded.
Others expressed regret and nostalgia:
- “Sad… who will Ilmir cheer for now?”
- “I’ll never forget the BLAST 2020 victory,” reminded one fan, recalling one of the brightest moments in Complexity’s modern history.
There were also jokes about the players’ possible future:
- “Are they moving to Valorant?”
- “BC Game HERE WE GO,” some users mocked, hinting at a switch to another title.
Overall, the reaction was mixed: some let the club go without much emotion, while others warmly remembered the team’s best moments on the world stage. Yet almost everyone agreed that this is a sad day for the North American scene, which is already going through difficult times.
End of an Era for North America
The departure of Complexity from CS2 is a painful blow for the North American scene, which is already struggling. Although Jason Lake did not rule out a future return, right now this looks like the end of an important era.
Complexity has left a lasting mark on Counter-Strike, giving fans bright victories and unforgettable moments. Their departure is a reminder of the fragility of the esports industry, where even legendary brands face financial challenges.
