Craig Levine Stepping Down as Co-CEO of ESL FACEIT Group

Key insights

6 takeaways

01
Craig Levine is stepping down as Co-CEO of ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) after an eleven-year tenure with the organization.
02
Niccolo Maisto will assume the role of sole CEO for EFG following Levine’s departure.
03
Levine will remain with the company in an advisory capacity through the end of 2025 to facilitate a leadership transition.
04
EFG was formed following the 2022 merger of ESL and FACEIT, both of which were acquired by the Saudi Arabian government-owned Savvy Games Group for a combined $1.55 billion USD.
05
During his leadership, Levine oversaw the acquisition of production company Vindex and its subsidiary Esports Engine, as well as the development of the Esports World Cup.
06
Levine’s career in the industry dates back to 2002, including founding the esports organization Team 3D and the technology provider E-Sports Entertainment (ESEA).

Summary

Craig Levine, a long-time executive at ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), has announced his departure from the position of co-CEO. To facilitate a smooth transition, Levine will remain with the organization in an advisory capacity through the end of 2025. Following his exit, Niccolo Maisto will assume the role of sole CEO for the company.

Levine’s tenure at the organization spanned eleven years, beginning in 2012 when he joined ESL as the executive vice president of North American operations. Throughout his career at the firm, he held several leadership positions, including CEO of ESL North America and chief strategy officer, before ascending to the co-CEO role. His leadership coincided with significant corporate developments, including the $1.05 billion acquisition of ESL by the Saudi Arabian government-owned Savvy Games Group and the subsequent merger with the tournament platform FACEIT, which was acquired for $500 million.

During his time as a top executive, Levine oversaw key strategic initiatives, such as the acquisition of Vindex and its subsidiary, Esports Engine, as well as the development and operation of the Esports World Cup. His professional background in the industry dates back to 2002, when he founded the esports organization Team 3D and later established the event services agency ESS and the technology provider ESEA. His departure marks the end of a significant era for EFG as the company continues to evolve under unified leadership.