Monte has released an official statement regarding allegations of financial debts owed to players
The management of the Monte esports club issued a detailed statement to the community following the recent scandal surrounding delayed salaries and the secret departure of roster members. In the official statement, management representatives apologized for emotional remarks, provided a detailed account of the organization’s current financial situation in the Counter-Strike 2 competitive scene, and outlined their position on payments to players.
We would like to clarify everything that has been said recently.
First and foremost, we would like to apologize for some of the language used—it was written in the heat of the moment and does not reflect reality. We regret that this happened, but measures have already been taken regarding certain employees.
We are committed to transparent and fair esports for all parties involved. Salaries must be paid on time and in full, and contractual obligations must be honored. There can be no other way of looking at this.
We would like to note that none of Monte’s former employees or players have any financial claims against the organization. We always operate honestly and strictly within the law. We are confident that, until recently, you had not heard such accusations against us.
If you understand how esports works, you should be aware of the challenges faced by most Tier 2 and lower-tier organizations. The ranking system is so ruthless that breaking into the top tier requires stable funding. And even that doesn’t guarantee success. You can travel to several LAN tournaments every month, spend tens of thousands of dollars, and pay salaries—and there’s a high probability that all of it will be in vain. These days, running a CS2 organization relies on enthusiasm and a love for the game, not on business.
Over the past two years, we’ve done everything possible to bring Monte back to the top—to the level we were at in 2023. During this period, we didn’t have stable funding, we faced a financial crisis, and we had to downsize—all to ensure the team’s survival. Yes, we were never perfect. We did occasionally experience delays in paying salaries (for a maximum of 2–3 weeks), but we always paid everything down to the last kopeck and always kept the players informed. We have always fulfilled our contractual obligations in full.
Now picture this: You’ve been working toward a single goal for two years, squeezing every kopeck out of the team’s budget and finding ways—seemingly impossible—to secure the funds needed for its survival. You’re building a team that feels like a family, where everyone is ready to have each other’s backs. You’re moving toward your goal together. All the players are happy and satisfied within this organization. You achieve the goal that was everyone’s dream.
But then you find out that things weren’t what they seemed. Your own players, it turns out, decided the fate of the organization, the captain, and the coach without consulting you. They say nothing to anyone, smile in your face, and talk about plans for the future. But behind your back, the contracts have already been signed.
And now everything you’ve built over the years has been destroyed. And now you have to start all over again.
Such are the realities of Tier 2/3 teams. This wasn’t written to elicit sympathy—no, we fully deserve your hate. It was written so that you can understand how esports works.
But now we’d like to address the players’ accusations regarding financial obligations so you can hear the other side of the story:
- Payment of Salaries and Prize Money
We’ve always been open and maintained communication, never ignoring anyone. And we’ll say it again—we’ve paid absolutely all salaries to the players, never violating the terms of their contracts.
Prior to the Major in Cologne, salaries were paid regularly, on a monthly basis. Tournament prize money was distributed in accordance with the contracts, once the funds were transferred to the company’s account by the tournament operators.
Similarly, once it became clear that these players—while still members of Monte—had already signed contracts with another organization, and after all circumstances and details were clarified, their settlements were processed in full compliance with all contractual obligations.
- Payments for Stickers
As for sticker payments, neither the players nor their agents ever contacted us regarding this matter. Secondly, the players’ contracts specified that they would receive 100% of the proceeds from their own stickers and a portion of the team’s stickers. However, under Valve’s new system, the pool is split 50/50 between the organization and the players. Accordingly, the player received his share of the payout, and we received ours.
If you have any further questions for us, please feel free to contact us. We will do our best to address any concerns you may have.
Sincerely, Monte.
Earlier, Aurimas “Bymas” Pipiras accused Monte of failing to pay him tens of thousands of dollars in salary and tournament prize money, as well as his share of revenue from team stickers from the Major. Later, the esports community reacted to the public conflict between the player and the organization.
Photo by Stephanie Lindgren, ESL.
