One of the oldest names in Counter-Strike is done: Complexity has ceased operations, and founder Jason Lake has departed after 23 years leading the organization.
Jason Lake's statement
"We surveyed the landscape, surveyed where the business was at, and prospects for raising capital to pay off the seller-held note, and decided the best thing to do was to shut it down in an orderly and professional way."
Ownership
Complexity's IP reverts to GameSquare Holdings under a seller-financed note from Lake's 2024 re-acquisition. GameSquare had previously owned the brand before Lake's investor group bought it back in 2024.
CS timeline
- Tenure: 23 years under Jason Lake
- Exited CS: August 2025, citing economic challenges preventing proper support of a competitive team
- Formal shutdown: end of 2025 (announcement Sep 23, 2026)
Trophy cabinet
- ESWC 2005
- CPL Summer 2006
- ESL Challenger Jönköping 2024
- 10 Major appearances
Lake's next move
Lake said he is "not retiring" and plans to build something new in esports, though he acknowledged uncertainty about immediate opportunities in the current market environment.
Source: HLTV.org — /news/45568/complexity-ceases-operations-and-jason-lake-departs-after-23-years
