Apex Legends professional claims ALGS is shutting down in 2026 as professional scene dries up

Candy, one of many strongest Apex Legends professional gamers within the recreation’s storied historical past, has stepped away from professional play indefinitely. He claimed that being a professional participant wasn’t financially viable anymore and that the scene was heading downhill quick.

The ALGS 12 months 4 Finals had a large turnout, with the extremely widespread Battle Royale taking up Tokyo for one of many greatest esports occasions of the 12 months. What’s extra, information about Apex Legends’ professional scene in 2025 was promising. EA laid out a plan to place tens of millions up for grabs to maintain the scene alive and thriving.

Article continues after advert

Nonetheless, candy’s account of what 2025 appears to be like like paints a extra grim image behind the scenes. Although he claims to have been provided a number of spots on high groups with different top-tier professionals, he declined and stepped away.

Whereas he hasn’t given up on Apex Legends simply but, he gave some context on why he felt it’s the correct determination. And that context spells doom for the esport.

Article continues after advert

Candy claims Apex Legends professionals make a lot much less in 2025

Contemplating esports as an entire is a younger trade with organizations that die on the flip of a dime, it ought to come as no shock that lots of the world’s greatest aggressive video games pay out subsidies to make sure gamers receives a commission.

Article continues after advert

Candy claims that EA minimize these essential associate program funds for large orgs taking part within the recreation, drastically lowering the amount of cash within the scene for anybody aside from the top-level gamers who stroll with huge prize winnings.

“I made more cash in Poker final night time than the provided wage of the subsequent 12 months mixed of ALGS,” candy claimed in a Discord announcement to his viewers.

That is coupled with grim information for the way forward for the esport:

Article continues after advert

“This information was coupled with the rumor (not a rumor) that ALGS 12 months 6 is canceled. This created a scenario during which pay and org assist was declining, the dedication to proceed the esport was deserted, and a bunch of different behind-the-scenes stuff I can’t discuss.”

Article continues after advert

We’re at present on 12 months 5. So, if candy is right, which means ALGS will likely be lifeless in 2026, and Apex’s essential professional circuit will likely be gone.

Now, whereas this may occasionally sound dangerous, there’s hope. Apex Legends tournaments run by third-party organizers may breathe new life into the scene the place the normal ALGS fell brief.

Article continues after advert

Candy additionally acknowledged that Apex Legends has room for development and that he’s not fully giving up on the scene, even when he isn’t actively competing.

Both manner, although, the principle first-party league for Apex dying isn’t precisely encouraging for the way forward for the esport. And, whereas the sport has kicked its downward spiral when it comes to participant depend decline, it’s nonetheless a lot much less widespread than it was at its peak in 2023.

Article continues after advert