German esports organisation Cowana Gaming have this week announced they are ceasing operations, citing ‘the effects of the international crises’.
The organisation were known for their activities in Rainbow Six Siege and CSGO esports, with Cowana previously reaching the Siege Pro League and the ESL Meisterschaft in CSGO. They also got involved in World of Warcraft and sim racing.
Cowana Gaming also had a host of UK talent over the past couple of years, particularly in Siege, including the likes of Grizzly, Sloth, Anarchic, Rideoo, Kendrew, Ralphyy, imp, ProphetKing, Omoz, Rendy and more. Cowana competed in the ESL Prem and later the UK and Ireland Nationals (UKIN).
In CSGO, Cowana also briefly had UK player Thomas on their books, plus a mix of other players, with a predominantly German roster.
Cowana Gaming managing director Michael Wamser said in a Twitlonger post: “For the first two years of Cowana Gaming we have always tried to be one of the top places to go for players, staff and creators, and we have succeeded.
“Unfortunately, we also felt the effects of the international crises and a large part of our business was no longer executable.
“The protracted nature of these circumstances has led us to decide to discontinue the trip at the end of the year.”
Michael added that Cowana will make sure any outstanding balances are paid by the end of the year, and took the time to thank all of the organisation’s players, sponsors and fans. Michael also said that all existing staff are free to move without a transfer fee and that contracts will run until the end of the year.
“We would like to apologise from the bottom of our hearts and we hope that you, our community, understand our decision and maybe we can make a clean cut,” Michael continued.
“We wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and much health and success on your future path.”
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Dom is an award-winning writer and finalist of the Esports Journalist of the Year 2023 award. He graduated from Bournemouth University with a 2:1 degree in Multi-Media Journalism in 2007.
As a long-time gamer having first picked up the NES controller in the late ’80s, he has written for a range of publications including GamesTM, Nintendo Official Magazine, industry publication MCV and others. He worked as head of content for the British Esports Federation up until February 2021, when he stepped back to work full-time on Esports News UK and offer esports consultancy and freelance services. Note: Dom still produces the British Esports newsletter on a freelance basis, so our coverage of British Esports is always kept simple – usually just covering the occasional press release – because of this conflict of interest.
