Promod Esports Faces Bankruptcy: A Setback for UK Esports

Financial Turmoil and Layoffs

Promod Esports, a known tournament organizer and esports agency based in the UK, has recently faced financial difficulties and had to file for bankruptcy. Sadly, this has resulted in all of its employees losing their jobs. This news has been quite shocking for the esports community, especially considering Promods role in the competitive gaming scene.

The financial troubles of Promod Esports have also affected the payments owed to players and staff involved in events like the Valorant Challengers League Northern Europe Polaris and Split 2. According to The Esports Advocate, there are allegations of payments. Freelance producer and observer Charlotte Willmott has come forward claiming that she is owed money for her work on Promod events, including the FIA Formula E Accelerate Rome Major and the FIA Formula E Accelerate London LAN Finals. The total amount owed is said to be over GBP 1400.

Jake Murton, a production manager at Promod has publicly shared information about the company’s layoffs, shedding light on some internal challenges they were facing. As a result of these developments, Riot Games has decided to end its partnership with Promod for their Valorant Regional League (VRL), raising concerns about what lies ahead for the leaguein Northern Europe.

It is important to mention that Promod Esports, which was established in 2019, has made progress in the world of esports. They have become the organizers of the Valorant Regional League (VRL) in Northern Europe in 2021. One of their competitions, called Polaris, aims to provide a platform for aspiring players from the UK, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland. It offers them an opportunity to enter the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT).

In April 2022, Promod announced the introduction of Beacon. This Valorant tournament circuit is positioned below Polaris. Focuses on nurturing local talents. In addition to their involvement with valuable events, Promod also managed the UK & Ireland Nationals. Played a vital role in the Northern Premier League Rainbow Six Siege esports circuit earlier this year.

Legal Disputes and Complexity

The individuals associated with Promod Esports as listed officers and directors include Heather Dower (CEO of marketing agency Hotdrop) Rob Black (current CEO of Promod Esports), and James Dean (Marketing Director of Antstream Arcade). It is worth noting that James Dean publicly stated on LinkedIn that his involvement with Promod has been minimal over the past few years. He is currently entangled in a dispute with the company, adding another layer of complexity to this unfolding story.

As Promod Esports faces difficulties, the rest of the esports community eagerly anticipates updates and remains hopeful for a solution that protects the well-being of players, staff and the future of the esports leagues in question.

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