Compliance & Regulatory
Fortnite Russian Professionals Denied Prize Money by Epic Games
Fortnite Russian professional players Daniil “Рutrick” Abdrakhmanov and Egor “Swizzy” Luciko face a setback from Epic Games. Despite their victory in the Fortnite Champion Series Major 3 during Chapter 4 Season 3, Epic Games has chosen not to award them their USD 200,000 prize. To further complicate matters, Рutrick has also been barred from participating in the FNCS Copenhagen Lan event.
Unsatisfactory Responses from Epic Games
Based on Putrick’s communications with Epic Games, the responses he received were not satisfactory. The support team’s response rate was once daily, and they seemed not to delve deeply into the issue, resulting in repetitive replies. Putrick emphasized that he adhered to all rules established by Epic Games.
The “Prize Restricted Region” Controversy
From the correspondence between Putrick and the Fortnite support team, it appears that the primary concern is his origin from a “Prize Restricted Region.” Following the Ukraine invasion on 24 February 2022, Epic Games designated Russia as such. This designation is also referenced in sections 2.6.2 and 2.6.3 of the FNCS Major 3 Official Rules.
Playing from Belarus: A Point of Contention
However, Putrick clarified that both he and Swizzy competed from Belarus. While Epic Games has ceased all transactions with Russia, Belarus remains unaffected. Therefore, the argument stands that the duo did not compete from a “Prize Restricted Region.” In his communication with the support team, Putrick mentioned:
“I understand that we cannot compete from a banned country, but both Swizzy and I competed from an approved country. We reside and compete in Belarus.”
Comparative Cases and Legal Nuances
Furthermore, Putrick expressed feeling deceived and highlighted another Fortnite professional, GXR Malibuca, a Russian Federation resident currently in Serbia. However, from a legal perspective, the situations differ. Danila “Malibuca” Yakovenko clarified the issue on Twitter:
Past Tournaments and Prize Discrepancies
Although these legal intricacies influence prize money claims, Epic Games seemingly did not alert Putrick in advance. As evident from the Duos Cash Cup: Chapter 3 Season 3 leaderboard, Putrick and his partner, Safik, did secure USD 1,000 in prizes.
Community Reactions and Future Implications
Even with the restrictions Epic Games imposed on Russia, Fortnite Cash Cups remained viable. It appears Putrick assumed the status quo would persist. However, considering Epic Games’ close monitoring of tournaments, the broader community believes Putrick and Swizzy should have been excluded from the outset.
The Dilemma of Prize Money Distribution
Currently, it remains uncertain whether Epic Games will distribute the prize money Putrick and Swizzy rightfully earned. With ongoing sanctions, a reversal in the decision seems improbable. The most plausible action might be to withhold the prize money until circumstances normalize. Ultimately, the final decision lies solely with Epic Games.
Via Sportskeeda
Picture: NaVi.gg
