Danish Esports Org Copenhagen Flames Files for Bankruptcy
On May 1st, Copenhagen Flames posted a statement from CEO Steffen Thomsen that explained his decision to file for bankruptcy following failure to secure funding for operations. Copenhagen Flames was founded in 2016, and has since been a large force in Counter-Strike, mainly known for developing up and coming players before selling them on for a profit.
In 2021, Copenhagen Flames really made their mark, qualifying for PGL Major Stockholm, and PGL Major Antwerp with a fully Danish team. Some notable names such as Fredrik ‘roeJ’ Jørgensen, Nico ‘nicoodoz’ Tamjidi and Rasmus ‘HooXi’ Nielsen were on the roster at that time, and all went on to join bigger teams such as Fnatic, G2 and Heroic, all still performing at the highest level today.
“For the past 6 months we have worked tirelessly to avoid this outcome but unfortunately we have failed. And for that I am deeply sorry. In the end it is my responsibility and I feel like absolute shit that it has come to this.” Thomsen Said.
Following the departure of their best players, success was hard to find for the new Copenhagen Flames roster. This led to them unfortunately missing out on this year's BLAST Paris Major, and Thomsen details this as a big part in Copenhagen Flames’ unfortunate position.
“Missing out on the past two Majors hurt us as well as we set a goal of going to at least one Major each year. To secure income but also for the brand recognition, exposure, player sales and the gains in followers across all social media platforms. And again we know the risk of this approach, you can’t count on results in sports and we have always been looking to build a club which was independent of sporting income. But to get to that stage you need a solid foundation built from sporting success – at least to some extent.”
Danish AWPer and player for Copenhagen Flames, Asger ‘Farlig’ Jensen said that this is a “sad day for esports”. However, CEO Steffen Thomsen plans to look out for all staff that have been laid off, as the esports winter takes another victim.
“We have done everything we could to help secure the entire personnel the best way possible and we will continue to look out for their best interest in the upcoming process. Thank you to all partners, fans and followers for your support. It has meant the world to us and without it we wouldn’t have been able to reach the heights we did. Thank you to all former staff of any kind for your immense contribution. It gave me great joy when some of you returned to work with us again, and to watch you grow in other places. The Flames family is special and something I will treasure forever.”
