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North American esports organization Oxygen Esports (OXG) is reportedly closing its operations and laying off all its staff. The news, first reported by media outlet Dexerto, cites unnamed sources who have informed the platform about the imminent shutdown.
According to the report, players from OXG's Call of Duty League franchise, Boston Breach, were notified that they would lose access to the organization's Helix facility and their apartments by August 8th. This comes despite the franchise's participation in the Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia scheduled for a few days later.
Sources also indicated that OXG’s board and shareholders are currently addressing formalities related to severance pay, with official announcements regarding the layoffs expected by August 9th.
Founded in 2020 and based in New England, Oxygen Esports quickly made a mark in the industry by acquiring Kraft Sports and Entertainment's esports operation. This acquisition brought in teams from the Overwatch League’s Boston Uprising and the Call of Duty League, alongside teams in VALORANT, Rocket League, Rainbow Six: Siege, and sim racing.
The organization had partnerships with technology wearables brand GamerTech and energy drink company Monster Energy, among others. Previous collaborations included toy company Gel Blaster, drinkware brand Ice Shaker, and energy drink brand G.O.A.T. Fuel.
Most recently, OXG launched Quick Fix Media (QFM), an esports content and media incubator, which partnered with Rocket League news site ShiftRLE to announce the Shift Summer League tournament. However, the Rocket League Playoffs for this tournament were suspended indefinitely on August 6th. Reports surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) suggesting that staff members were asked to work without pay after the announcement.