AMKAL Cease Operations: Organization Leaves Counter-Strike, Entire Roster Becomes Free Agents

AMKAL have officially ceased operations, marking the end of their Counter-Strike project exactly two years after its launch. The organization confirmed that it is leaving esports entirely, with all contracted players now open to offers.

The announcement was made via AMKAL’s official channels and later reported by HLTV, confirming the full shutdown of the project.

AMKAL officially leave esports

In their farewell statement, AMKAL reflected on the short lifespan of the organization’s CS project before confirming its closure:

“Exactly two years ago, we launched our team with a CS2 roster…
Today, we’re officially leaving esports. All players are now open to offers.
Thank you to everyone who has been with us — you will forever remain part of this unique story.”

With that message, AMKAL confirmed the complete termination of operations, not just a pause or restructuring.

Full roster becomes available on the transfer market

As a direct result of the shutdown, every AMKAL player has entered free agency, making this one of the largest sudden roster releases in the European and CIS tier-2 Counter-Strike scene.

The most recent lineup included experienced names such as Vladislav nafany Gorshkov and Aleksandr KaiR0N- Anashkin, both of whom are now free to negotiate with new organizations.

Shutdown follows full benching earlier this month

The closure comes just weeks after AMKAL benched their entire roster and coaching staff on December 1, citing disappointing results and uncertainty about the project’s future.

At the time, the organization stated that it was:

“Taking a pause until the end of the season to determine a new direction,”
while admitting that the team’s “results are far from what we expected.”

That pause ultimately became permanent.

AMKAL’s short but notable Counter-Strike history

Despite competing mainly in Europe’s online tier-2 ecosystem, AMKAL achieved one major highlight:
they qualified for the first-ever CS2 Major, the PGL Major Copenhagen, after a strong RMR run that included eliminating Falcons.

However, inconsistency at LAN events and frequent roster changes prevented the project from stabilizing long-term.

Key milestones:

December 2023: AMKAL enter Counter-Strike by signing the ex-1win core

March 2024: Compete at PGL Major Copenhagen

Mid-2024: Multiple roster moves, including benchings and transfers

August 2025: New lineup announced around nafany

December 1, 2025: Entire roster benched

December 28, 2025: Organization ceases operations entirely

What AMKAL’s exit means for the CS2 market

With the organization gone, several proven tier-2 players are immediately available, creating new opportunities for teams looking to rebuild or reinforce their lineups ahead of the next CS2 season.

For the wider scene, AMKAL’s shutdown is another reminder of the financial and competitive pressure facing mid-tier esports organizations, even those that manage to reach a Major.