Russian cosplayer complains about non-payment of $1,000 for The International 2026 contest

Russian cosplayer Nika Lockhart recorded a video in which she explained that she still hasn’t received $1,000 for participating in the cosplay contest at The International 2026. According to her, the payment deadlines specified in the rules have already passed.

Nika explained that she tried to resolve the situation with the help of Raiffeisenbank. The cosplayer claims the problem stemmed from those responsible for the transfer in Singapore: they mixed up euros and dollars when processing the payment. She said the currency issue was resolved, but the money never actually reached her account.

At the competition in Shanghai, Nika performed as Dawnbreaker and took one of six second-place finishes, for which she was entitled to a prize of $1,000. It took her a year to create the costume, which featured lighting, a detachable hammer, and mechanical wings.

Photo: Valve.