Another VALORANT Challengers League within the EMEA’s tier-two ecosystem is reportedly experiencing financial difficulties. The league, which has not been named, is allegedly facing significant monetary issues, with players and casters being owed large sums of money by teams and broadcast organizers respectively.
According to journalists Corentin Phalip and Lucas Jacque from Eclypsia, who cover the French VALORANT scene, three teams that withdrew from the VALORANT France Challengers league (Revolution) have failed to pay players nearly €50,000 in unpaid bills. Additionally, the league’s organizer, Freaks4U, reportedly owes over €30,000 to its casters.
Furthermore, three organizations that competed in the first split of Revolution have parted ways with their rosters, including Sector One, HEET, and beGenius ESC. In fact, Sector One ceased all operations just days into the first Revolution split back in January.
The Eclypsia report reveals that the former beGenius manager stated on Twitter that late payments were frequent, and that the organization’s management “had lied about the club’s financial health.” BeGenius co-owner Nicolas “Tyxbo” Durrieu confirmed the club’s departure from VALORANT the following day and, while denying that the club was in poor financial health, did admit that financial issues contributed to its exit.
The primary issue leading to the organizations stepping away from the VALORANT France Challengers league appears to be the lack of sponsorships, which has affected Freaks4U’s ability to pay casters on time. The vice president of Freaks4U accepted responsibility for “the company’s billing process” but blamed the “current state of the global economy” for the financial issues.
The casters who are owed money are reportedly threatening not to return for the VCT EMEA debut in just a few days.