Unpaid Esports Squad Under Scrutiny for Alleged Financial Mismanagement Towards Players
In the dynamic world of esports, financial stability remains a challenge for many organisations. One such organisation, Fog Esports, has found itself embroiled in a controversy over alleged wage issues.
Fog Esports, an established name in the esports industry, has been accused of failing to pay its players and staff for over two months. This unfortunate incident underscores the ongoing wage issues that persist in the amateur esports scene.
Richard Janvrin, a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, entered the esports coverage professionally in 2015. Since then, he has covered numerous aspects of the industry, including the recent wage issues that have come to light.
The League of Legends team associated with Fog Esports participated in the EMEA Masters, a prominent competition in the esports industry, despite the wage issues. Initially, the team considered boycotting the event, but they ultimately chose to compete after setting a payment deadline. Unfortunately, the deadline went unmet.
Several other esports organisations have faced similar financial struggles. Activision Blizzard's esports division, for instance, experienced significant layoffs in 2021, affecting about 50 employees, including those tied to major leagues like the Call of Duty League and Overwatch League. While this was more about layoffs than unpaid wages, it serves as a reminder of the financial strain that esports teams connected to larger publishers often face.
Problems with fair and timely player payments have been part of the industry's growing pains, but 2025 has seen increasing attention to securing better salaries and financial protections for players as franchising and sponsorships grow. However, the esports industry continues to face financial challenges, with funding and revenue streams often less stable than traditional sports.
Richard Janvrin also ventured into the iGaming space in 2018, writing about various aspects of the industry, including news, reviews, bonuses/promotions, sweepstakes casinos, and legal issues. His insights provide a valuable perspective on the financial challenges faced by organisations in the esports and iGaming industries.
As the esports industry continues to evolve, addressing wage issues will be crucial for its long-term sustainability and growth. Fog Esports' case serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency, fairness, and financial responsibility in the industry.
Fog Esports, alongside other esports organizations, has experienced financial struggles, with allegations of failing to pay players and staff for over two months, exemplifying the ongoing wage issues within the amateur esports scene. Financial stability remains a persistent challenge in the esports industry, even for established organizations such as Fog Esports, with funding and revenue streams often less stable than traditional sports.
