FISSURE CEO Nikolay Vesnin has acknowledged that the esports tournament organiser still owes prize money to teams competing in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) and Dota 2. The company has confirmed that repayments are already underway, with another major payment phase expected in the first quarter of 2027.
In an open letter published on November 4, Vesnin apologised to the affected teams and players, accepting responsibility for the outstanding payments. He also explained the financial difficulties behind the situation and outlined the company's plans to clear its remaining debts.
FISSURE Confirms Outstanding CS2 and Dota 2 Payments
According to Vesnin, FISSURE has been making repayments since summer 2026. Around half of its outstanding CS2 prize money has already been paid, while the first wave of Dota 2 payments began in October.
The CEO acknowledged the company's responsibility and assured teams that FISSURE would not abandon its financial commitments.
However, the organiser has not disclosed the total amount of outstanding prize money. Vesnin stated that he did not want to announce unconfirmed figures or present unfinished financial agreements as guaranteed revenue.
Financial Mistakes Behind the Unpaid Prize Money
Vesnin attributed the company's financial difficulties to serious commercial and financial planning mistakes made in 2025.
FISSURE had expected to secure a major partnership with an international betting company, but the agreement ultimately fell through. The organiser also failed to attract enough sponsors from other industries to support its projects.
Additionally, one tournament failed to meet the participant lineup targets outlined in its commercial agreement, resulting in further financial losses. According to Vesnin, the company's expenses increased while its revenue failed to keep pace.
He accepted personal responsibility for the management decisions and revealed that FISSURE had to part ways with several employees towards the end of 2025.
FISSURE Targets Q1 2027 for Major Repayments
FISSURE plans to coordinate individual repayment schedules with the affected esports organisations. The company expects its financial plan to support another major phase of repayments as early as the first quarter of 2027.
Vesnin also promised a public update during the same period, providing information about the actual repayment progress and reduction in outstanding debts.
FISSURE Plans to Continue Organising Tournaments
Despite the outstanding payments, FISSURE intends to continue organising and broadcasting esports tournaments. Vesnin explained that these activities remain the company's primary source of revenue and that stopping operations could significantly reduce its ability to repay the debts.
The organiser has also revised its financial planning model to reduce dependence on individual sponsorship agreements and revenue sources.
Vesnin further confirmed that prize pools for upcoming tournaments are now secured before competitions begin, rather than depending on the company's current financial situation.
For now, affected teams and players will have to wait for the promised repayment schedule and the next major update expected in Q1 2027.
The organiser credited its 2026 tournament projects, particularly its event in China, for helping clear around half of its CS2 prize money obligations. It also confirmed that available funds from completed projects are being directed towards repayments.
FISSURE Playground 3 Sees Major CS2 Upsets as Playoffs Take Shape