EG Valorant roster in contract limbo for 2024

Valorant

24 Sep

Andre Guaraldo

EG, the reigning Valorant world champions, have found themselves ensnared in a contract dispute during the 2024 offseason. Reports from sources within the organization reveal that EG's management has placed their star players in a predicament where they must either accept significant pay cuts or navigate the tricky terrain of buyout negotiations with other teams. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the Valorant community, leaving fans and players baffled.

The buyout quagmire and player frustration

One of the core issues at the heart of this contract debacle is the lack of specific buyout clauses within EG's player contracts. This means that Evil Geniuses has the upper hand in determining the price tag for player transfers. To the astonishment of many, the organization has already turned down substantial buyout offers. Notably, Max “Demon1” Mazanov and Ethan “Ethan” Arnold both saw their buyout requests denied, each valuing around $100,000. This has left Demon1 reportedly disheartened and less inclined to remain with Evil Geniuses in light of these contract disputes.

Read also: Evil Geniuses allows the Valorant players to explore their options or receive pay cuts

EG's firm grip on player contracts

Adding to the complexity of the situation is the fact that these player contracts extend until 2024, giving EG considerable leverage over their players. In essence, EG holds the power to decline any buyout offers and potentially force players to fulfill their contracts until their natural expiration, potentially putting them in a limited free agency market. While EG's intentions remain unclear, their dissatisfaction with current buyout offers raises questions, especially considering their players' status as the best in the world in 2023.

Evil Geniuses are VALORANT Champions for 2023 (2)

EG's Valorant world championship elevated the roster to a new level in the scenario and brought a lot of interest (Image Source: Valorant Esports)

Read also: Evil Geniuses Parts ways with Coach Zikz After Championship Victory

Turbulence in VCT Americas offseason

The Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) Americas offseason keeps seeing significant roster issues. After The Guard's Ascension win, they released their roster, sparking outrage within the community. Ultimately, the players secured a spot in franchising, albeit under the G2 banner. Now, Evil Geniuses, the reigning world champions in VALORANT, finds themselves between a rock and a hard place—forced to choose between accepting pay cuts or entering late free agency, provided no team meets EG's high buyout demands.

Read also: Evil Geniuses parts ways with Reserve Roster after Champions Victory

The ongoing trials of Evil Geniuses

This contract dispute is the latest in a series of challenges that have plagued Evil Geniuses in recent months. Their Chief People Officer, Jessica Hammond, and CEO, Nicole Lapointe Jameson, both exited the organization. Director of Athletics, Andrew Barton, resigned to join LCS rivals Flyquest. Furthermore, EG is embroiled in a legal battle with a former Dota player, which hints at ongoing internal turmoil. As the organization grapples with these difficulties, it appears increasingly likely that they will sell their LCS slot, raising questions about their financial stability.

Read also: Evil Geniuses CEO Steps down after Valorant Champions Victory

The SumaiL legal battle unfolds

In a separate but equally significant development, one of the Dota 2's greatest players, Syed ‘SumaiL’ Hassan, has been locked in a legal battle with Evil Geniuses since March. The culmination of this legal saga is set for November, as the justice system in the United States schedules a hearing. Notably, prominent esports figures such as Universe, Fear, Arteezy, former COO Philip Aram, and ex-CEO Peter Dager are expected to testify.

SumaiL keeps his legal fight against Evil Geniuses up until today (credits: Game Arena)

Read Also: Sumail vs. Evil Geniuses Legal Case Proceeds to Court

Uncertain futures for Evil Geniuses and Valorant

Evil Geniuses' handling of their Valorant championship roster's contracts has left the esports community on edge. The future remains uncertain for both the players and the organization as the January roster lock looms closer. As the esports world watches, this contract dispute raises profound questions about the stability of esports organizations and the welfare of professional players within the industry. The outcome of these sagas will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for Evil Geniuses and the competitive scenarios in 2024. Stay tuned in Strafe for more Valorant information as well as real-time updates of competitive matches!