Players and staff formerly part of Team Finest’s CS:GO team are still owed over $70,000 in unpaid salary and prize money. While, Team Finest ceased operations back in October 2022, the amount (coming largely from a Pinnacle Cup IV win and the termination of their contracts) remains unpaid almost two years on.
Credit: Team Finest
A report from HLTV earlier this week claimed, that Finest’s chairman of the board Mark Klein had previously pledged to: “make everything whole for the money that is owed to them.” .
Players from the team haven’t heard from Klein since November 2023, despite their attempts to reach him for further updates.
Our sources within the Israeli Esports Ecosystem have given Esports.net further details on the situation. The behavior by Team Finest’s executive leadership was described as “less than professional,” with several individuals from the scene warned about dealings with Team Finest before it ceased operations.
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When Team Finest started its operation it was very exciting for the local ecosystem, as they promised to deliver venture-capital investments and perhaps be the first of many.
However their behavior, especially by their executive leadership, was less than professional, even before they ceased operations last year, and can sometimes be categorized as “bullying” local organizers and other teams.
The Israeli Esports Association have cautioned players, influencers and stakeholders to be careful dealing with team Finest in individual talks with those asking for guidance.
When the company ceased esports operations, Israeli players and influencers who consulted with us were told by Finest’s executives that the company is going into bankruptcy, but our internal check into that matter provided that the company remains active with the Israeli Corporations Authority registry, and continues tax reporting.
The nature of Team Finest’s continued activity with the Israeli Corporations Authority registry is unknown, although it’s clear that almost two years on from the shuttering of the best CS:GO teams, the organization has yet to file for bankruptcy despite unpaid debts.
In response to the initial report, several players from Team Finest’s former CS:GO roster commented on the situation on X.
Anarkez, who now plays for BC.Game, has implored anyone from Team Finest to reach out to resolve the situation.
