Craig Levine to step down as ESL FACEIT Group co-CEO

ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) co-CEO Craig Levine has announced that he is stepping away from his position and will hold an advisory role until the end of 2025.

With Levine’s departure, Niccolo Maisto will become the sole CEO of ESL FACEIT Group.

In a memo obtained by Esports Insider, and sent to EFG staff, Levine shared his history with the company and within the broader esports scene. This included starting off as a player in the 90s, organising tournaments in the early 2000s, and joining ESL in 2014 before helping form EFG in 2022.

In the memo, Levine also shared that his “next chapter” will take him “outside of the company in 2026.” Details were vague, but it’s possible that Levine may not be leaving the esports scene entirely just yet.

Levine’s memo reads: “This is a difficult note to write as EFG has been such an important part of my professional career. I wanted to let you all know that I will be stepping back from my position as co-CEO at EFG. Niccolo will continue as sole CEO, and I will stay on in an advisory capacity for the remainder of 2025.

“Transitions are never easy, and this one comes with mixed emotions because of my passion for this business, and my strong belief in your collective ability to continue to do great things. It’s been an honour and a privilege to have served as your colleague, leader and most important – your friend.”

During his tenure as co-CEO at ESL FACEIT Group and ESL Gaming, the company has cemented itself as one of the biggest esports tournament organisers in the world. ESL is mostly known for its endeavours in Counter-Strike, including the iconic IEM series. However, the company works on a range of esports ecosystems, such as Overwatch 2’s OWCS.

Levine went on to say in the statement: “While my next chapter will take me outside the company in 2026, my pride in what we’ve accomplished together remains unshakable. I’ll be rooting for all of you as you continue pushing the industry forward and serving the players, fans, and communities that brought us here.”

Levine also made news of his decision public through a Linkedin post.

In a separate memo sent to EFG staff, Niccolo Maisto shared his thoughts on Levine’s departure and his plans moving forward. In it, he confirmed that he will be assuming the role as sole CEO of EFG.

Maisto said: “I’m pleased that Craig will continue with us in an advisory role to help ensure a smooth transition and ensure our strong plans for 2025 remain on track.

“I will assume the role of sole CEO, and I’m excited to continue working alongside all of you as we move into our next phase. EFG has incredible potential and I’m motivated to continue the journey with you to shape one of the best communities in the world for our players and fans. We know the path, and now it’s about execution – with speed and clarity.”

Maisto also shared that he intends to work more closely with EFG staff and “build stronger relationships.” He also emphasised how Levine’s departure from EFG marks the company’s “next chapter.”