The Esports World Cup 2024 (EWC), the largest esports event to date, has been marred by serious financial disputes. Despite boasting a $60 million prize pool, many Apex Legends Players, teams, and production staff remain unpaid, months after the tournament concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This is reported by esports.net.
Photo: Igor Bezborodov, EWC
Apex Legends was a standout title at the event, featuring a $2 million prize pool with payouts promised for every participating team. However, reports indicate that multiple teams and players are still awaiting their share of the winnings. Some organizations have stated that they received no communication or timeline for payment, while others have confirmed only partial disbursements.
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), responsible for organizing the event, along with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and SAVVY Games Group, has faced intense criticism for these financial mishaps. This failure to honor financial commitments has cast doubt on the integrity of the tournament’s management and left many in the esports community frustrated.
Apex Legends Players and Teams Struggle Amidst Unpaid Winnings
Many professional Apex Legends teams entered the tournament with the expectation of timely payouts, yet as of early 2025, several organizations and players remain uncompensated. Reports from affected players indicate:
- Lack of transparency regarding the status of payments.
- No clear response from event organizers when queried about delayed payouts.
- Financial strain onteams and individuals who rely on winnings to sustain competitive careers.
With over 40 teams competing in the Apex Legends tournament, the non-payment issue has impacted a large portion of the competitive community. Despite the game’s growing global appeal, the delays have left many questioning the reliability of high-profile events like the Esports World Cup.
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Broader Payment Failures Affecting Other Titles
While Apex Legends has been one of the most affected games, reports confirm that other esports titles also face similar issues. Multiple game titles have been caught in the same financial predicament, including:
1. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
- $3 million prize pool, with the champion team expected to take home a third of the total.
- Reports indicate multiple teams and staff remain unpaid.
- Publisher Moonton allegedly pressured teams and employees to remain silent on missing payments.
2. PUBG Mobile
- Prize payouts remain unconfirmed.
- No official response from event organizers addressing concerns.
3. Tekken
- Competitive players have reported prize money delays.
- Lack of payment transparency has fueled growing concerns within the community.
Some organizations have suggested that higher-profile games and teams received priority payments, leaving others waiting indefinitely.
Future Uncertainty for Esports World Cup 2025
Despite these financial missteps, EWC 2025 is moving forward, promising an expanded 25-title lineup and multi-million dollar prize pools. However, with ongoing payment issues, players and teams are left wondering:
- Will EWC 2025 participants receive payments on time?
- Will affected individuals be compensated before the next event begins?
- How will tournament organizers regain the trust of the esports community?
With the Esports World Cup monopolizing a quarter of the esports calendar, ensuring financial reliability is crucial. Without significant reforms, trust in EWC and its organizers may continue to erode.
The Esports World Cup 2024’s failure to pay Apex Legends players and other participants has tarnished its reputation in competitive gaming. Despite a massive $60 million prize pool, non-payment issues and financial mismanagement have left players, teams, and production staff in financial uncertainty.
As EWC 2025 approaches, the esports community must push for greater transparency, reliable payment structures, and financial accountability. Without serious improvements, the Esports World Cup risks becoming more infamous for its financial troubles than for its contributions to the esports scene.
Frequently Asked Questions About Esports World Cup
Why haven’t Apex Legends players been paid?
Many Apex Legends players from EWC 2024 have reported delays in prize pool distribution. The event organizers have not provided a clear timeline for payments, leading to growing frustration among competitors.
Who is responsible for the delayed payments?
The payment delays have been attributed to the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), SAVVY Games Group, and ESL FACEIT Group, all of whom played roles in managing and funding the event.
Are other esports titles affected?
Yes, aside from Apex Legends, players from Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, PUBG Mobile, and Tekken have also reported payment issues.
Will players eventually receive their prize money?
Some payments have begun to be processed, but there is no definitive timeline for when all affected individuals will be compensated.
What steps can affected players take?
Players and teams can attempt to reach out to the event organizers, seek legal assistance, or publicly share their concerns to apply pressure for resolution.
How will this impact EWC 2025?
With the ongoing payment controversy, the credibility of EWC 2025 is at risk. Many players may hesitate to participate unless payment structures improve.
