CPL pulls the plug

The Cyberathlete Professional League is no more. As of today CPL will be closing its doors, declaring game over.

CPL was launched back in June 1997, quickly growing to become the most prestigious event for many years. Giving birth to a lot of newcomers to the scene, the CPL was among many considered the best event on the globe.

On their site, the CPL states following:

CPL however at some point decide to leave the game they help build, to what it is today (CS1.6) and seek for other games. But the glory of CPL ended when G7 made their boycott. It’s been going down for CPL for a long time; today they face the consequences and close.

The CPL was launched in June 1997 with the pioneering mission of promoting and sanctioning video game competitions as a professional sport. For ten years the CPL events experienced increased growth - commencing with a small LAN event in Dallas, Texas, and culminating in world-class competitions across five continents.

However, the current fragmentation of the sport, a crowded field of competing leagues, and the current economic climate have prompted the CPL to suspend its pro-tournament operations. The CPL regrets that this news will disappoint those that were planning on attending the summer and winter events this year.

Many thanks to all of the sponsors and partners that helped CPL establish the groundwork for professional video game competitions. Their vision and pioneering spirit should always be remembered.