Players and staff formerly part of Team Finest’s CS:GO team are still owed over $70,000 in unpaid salary and prize money. Despite Team Finest ceasing operations back in October 2022, the amount, largely coming from a Pinnacle Cup IV win and the termination of their contracts, remains unpaid almost two years later.
Credit: Team Finest
A report from HLTV earlier this week claimed that Finest’s chairman of the board, Mark Klein, had previously promised to “make everything whole for the money that is owed to them.”
Players from the team have not heard from Klein since November 2023, despite their efforts to reach out for updates.
Sources within the Israeli Esports Ecosystem have provided further details on the situation to Esports.net. The behavior of Team Finest’s executive leadership was described as unprofessional, with warnings issued to individuals in the scene before the team shut down operations.
Comments from the Israeli Esports Association caution players, influencers, and stakeholders to be wary of dealing with Team Finest. The organization reportedly claimed bankruptcy upon ceasing operations, but remains active in the Israeli Corporations Authority registry and continues tax reporting.
The exact nature of Team Finest’s continued activity with the Israeli Corporations Authority is unknown, but it is clear that almost two years after disbanding, the organization has not filed for bankruptcy despite outstanding debts.
In response to the initial report, former players from Team Finest’s CS:GO roster have commented on the situation.
Anarkez, now playing for BC.Game, has urged anyone from Team Finest to reach out to resolve the situation.
