A HLTV investigation, based on conversations with nearly two dozen former players and staff members, describes serious internal issues within the German esports organization GamerLegion. Among the main allegations are delayed salary and prize money payments, contract-related disputes, as well as a toxic work culture that, according to sources, developed over years and became especially pronounced after the team’s success at the BLAST Paris Major in Counter-Strike 2.
Financial issues and payment delays
- Players and staff regularly experienced delays in salary and prize money payments, sometimes lasting several months or even up to a year.
- According to sources, payments were often uneven — priority was given to more influential players or those applying pressure through agents.
- Some staff members claim they were forced to borrow money for basic expenses due to delayed salaries.
Disputes over prize money and the Paris Major
- During the Paris Major, a conflict arose over the distribution of revenue from in-game item sales (stickers).
- Players believed they were entitled to a larger share of the revenue than what was outlined in their contracts.
- Tensions escalated to the point where a potential boycott of the final was discussed, although the match was ultimately played.
Work culture and management
- Former employees describe the atmosphere as toxic, with conflicts at management level and shouting during internal meetings.
- According to them, management often ignored problems or failed to resolve them.
- Many respondents point to a lack of a clear long-term development strategy for the organization.
Allegations of a toxic environment
- The report includes testimonies of humiliating behavior, bullying, and a highly tense office atmosphere.
- Some employees report regular insults and unprofessional comments from leadership.
- Part of the staff experienced psychological pressure and avoid speaking publicly due to fear of consequences.
Academy and player development issues
- The academy roster also faced salary delays and a lack of structured training processes.
- Some players waited months for payments and even for contract formalization.
- The academy project was shut down in 2025.
GamerLegion management response
- The CEO of the organization denies systemic payment issues, describing them as isolated cases.
- He also claims that all obligations were fulfilled according to contracts.
- Regarding allegations about workplace culture, management insists that the environment is professional and respectful.
Current state of the organization
- After peaking at the Paris Major, the team’s results significantly declined.
- The organization reduced staff and closed part of its office infrastructure.
- Despite this, GamerLegion continues to operate in esports, though it no longer has the same level of influence as before.
As a reminder, Ash has left the GamerLegion organization, which he had been coaching for five years