GARIATH CONCEPTS, one of the most renowned events management organizations in the Philippine esports scene, has been receiving a lot of flak on social media.
Various posts from individuals who have worked with or contributed for them in previous events, took to social media and aired their complaints about the organization. Most of the issues stem from alleged delayed payments.
One called out Gariath for their League of Legends events, the Empyrean Cup, which took place during ESGS 2023.
And speaking about ESGS, there are posts that reveal that the delayed payments go way back to 2022.
And there have been other projects from Gariath that have stirred some controversy. The fighting game spectacle known as the REV Major 2023 has been garnering some negativity due to issues regarding prize pool money.
With these alleged revelations, SPIN.ph contacted various sources.
A hanging situation
As early as January 19, 2024, Numerous sources have told SPIN.ph that they've tried contacting the org's finance department for updates on their payment. Here's what they revealed.
"I even emailed their finance department with a copy of the contract I signed last year and they never got back to me, and this was all the way back in July if I remember correctly," as mentioned by one source.
Another source even revealed that the people involved from within have already left the company.
"Kahit mga former heads namin sa event nag-followup sa finance but wala pa rin po nangyari. Ending nag-resign sila and lumipat sa ibang company."
Meanwhile, someone revealed that Riot Games even had to step in just to address the issue.
"As per project manager na kausap namin, they're still waiting for update from finance. Finance has not given us any update pa, but Riot (Games) is also following up on our behalf," said the source.
As for the prize pool situation, someone commented that even international players, who travelled all the way to the Philippines, were also affected.
"Much to our disappointment everyone was severely underpaid, including the internationals I was talking to (example the first place in my respective game)."
Gariath has no money
With delayed payments constantly compiling, a former employee of Gariath has voiced out to SPIN.ph this month regarding updates.
A screenshot, which seems to be a private email from Gariath's sister company, Mineski Global Inc., was revealed, stating: "GariathC(oncepts) has no money...We were updated with this arrangement this afternoon."
SPIN.ph recently reached out to members of the community who have yet to receive their payments. According to them, no progress has been made.
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