Jason Lake, Complexity's CEO Aims to Reclaim His Brainchild
Jason Lake, the CEO and founder of Complexity, is actively seeking investors to buy back the North American esports organization from GameSquare. This unexpected development comes merely two months after GameSquare's acquisition of FaZe Clan. A move that has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest in the Counter-Strike scene.
A Complex Situation Unfolds
On October 20th, GameSquare announced a "definitive agreement" to acquire FaZe Clan in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $17 million. FaZe Clan and Complexity often compete in the same Counter-Strike tournaments. And both teams are partnered with ESL and BLAST. The esports community began questioning the potential impact on competitive integrity.
ESL stated in October that it was "examining the potential implications" of the deal on team participation and business relations, while BLAST Commissioner Andrew Haworth acknowledged "challenges of competitive integrity" in a separate interview with HLTV.
Jason Lake's Roadshow: Attracting Investors Globally
Sources reveal that Jason Lake has embarked on a global roadshow to attract investors for the acquisition of Complexity. With the most recent stops being Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Lake's presence at the BLAST Premier World Final in the Etihad Arena during Complexity's ESL Challenger Atlanta competition showcases his commitment to securing funding amid these dynamic developments.
If Jason Lake successfully secures enough support for this ambitious endeavor, it will mark the second time he buys back Complexity, the organization he founded in 2003. Lake previously reacquired Complexity at the end of the last decade from media company DirecTV following the Championship Gaming Series' collapse.
In 2017, Lake sold a majority stake in Complexity to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and real estate investor John Goff. However, in a $27 million, all-stock deal, GameSquare acquired Complexity four years later. Thus making the Jones family, the Goff family, and Jason Lake significant shareholders in the publicly traded Canadian company.
The Current State of Complexity: A Competitive Force
Complexity's Counter-Strike team currently holds the 4th position in ESL World Rankings. They showcased their prowess with notable achievements such as a second-place finish at IEM Sydney. Along with a semi-finals appearance at the BLAST Premier Fall Final in CS2.
Complexity sits at 4th place in ESL World Rankings, along with some other well-established teams.Image Source: Screenshot from ESL Gaming
Beyond Counter-Strike, Complexity fields teams in various games including Rocket League, Halo, Madden, Apex Legends, and Valorant. The organization also supports content creators, with notable figures like Tim 'TimTheTatman' Betar, who became a part owner in GameSquare in September 2021.
What Lies Ahead
As the FaZe Clan acquisition by GameSquare progresses, the esports community eagerly awaits the outcome of Jason Lake's efforts to reclaim Complexity. The potential clash of interests and the intricate financial maneuvers involved add layers of complexity to an already riveting narrative.
Featured Image Source: Complexity Gaming
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