Former AlQadsiah staff allege $100,000 in unpaid funds

Former AlQadsiah Esports personnel allege the Saudi organisation owes more than $100,000 in unpaid salaries, prize money and expense reimbursements dating to mid-2024. They attempted to resolve the dispute privately before the organisation contacted them about a possible settlement.

Australian tournament organiser and commentator Yuven “Brownman” Vincent raised the allegations in a post on X. He identified himself, TEKKEN 8 player Benjamin “Yagami” Torngdee and fellow TEKKEN competitor Adeel “THE JON” Sheikh as being collectively owed more than $100,000.

The amount includes prize money, salaries and reimbursements, according to Brownman. It does not include money allegedly owed to other members of AlQadsiah’s fighting game division or to players and staff in other game divisions.

Yagami wrote in a follow-up post that he was with AlQadsiah from 2024 until mid-2026 and had not received prize money earned during that period. He estimated that more than $60,000 remained unpaid from the 2024 and 2025 Esports World Cup editions, excluding other outstanding reimbursements.

“I have been told multiple times that the payments are being processed and that everything will be paid soon,” Yagami wrote. “At this point it has been far too long.”

Brownman described an extended effort to settle the matter directly with AlQadsiah. He alleged that the group faced excuses, delays and poor communication, followed by a period in which its messages went unanswered. He added that payment promises were not fulfilled and referred to alleged threats and attempts to stop players from speaking publicly about their treatment.

About seven hours after his initial post, Brownman reported that AlQadsiah had contacted him and assured him that it was working to “urgently reach a solution to settle this matter.” He wrote that he expected the outstanding funds to be paid in full.

AlQadsiah Esports operates under Al-Qadsiah Football Club, which is owned by Saudi energy company Aramco. Brownman linked the dispute to the organisation’s ownership and wrote: “If an Aramco owned organisation can fail so completely, then what hope is there for others?”

AlQadsiah had not issued a detailed public response to the allegations as of publication. Late or missing payments have been reported across esports, including among fighting game players who often use prize money and organisation stipends to cover international competition and travel.

The allegations follow other recent payment disputes. Brazilian football club Corinthians faces 30 labour lawsuits seeking more than R$2.8 million, or about $520,000. The club has maintained that its esports operation was managed by licensee CDS E-Sports e Entretenimento Ltda.

French organisation Karmine Corp also reported salary delays affecting its Rocket League roster. Co-founder Kamel “Kameto” Kebir attributed the delays to a difficult financial year and late incoming payments. The organisation later indicated that the issue had been resolved and that it could reorganise its finances.