Dota 2 Host and analyst, Nahaz has tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid dues

Non-Payment of dues is a serious concern in esports. With the organic growth of esports over the past few decades, there have been multiple instances of agents and organisations scamming players of their dues. In the past, the amount owed to players was often in three digits and not something that one would bother legal action with. However, esports is witnessing a massive investment boom. With huge viewership numbers, the extremely young audience and the mainstream integration of esports, it s fast becoming a viable investment opportunity. Alan “Nahaz” Bester – Still owed tens of Thousands of dollars

Nahaz One of the most well-known analyst and statisticians in Dota 2. Formerly an economics professor, Alan “Nahaz” Bester started analyzing the numbers in Professional Dota 2 matches. His insight quickly gained traction and he was present on several premier tournaments as well as The International. He was also the coach for Complexity Gaming during The International 2016. Nahaz stopped teaching his regular job at The University of Western Ontario before the 2017-18 season. His move to Dota 2 combined his passion for Esports [ Dota 2 in particular ] and economics. The viewers enjoyed his statistical analysis which was devoid of bias and any form of partiality.

Word of warning to anyone coming in to esports who thinks they can get people to do work for them and then have no intention of paying their invoices.

We will chase you for payment, we will take legal action.

This isn't esports 2005. You can't get away with that shit any more.

• Redeye (@PaulChaloner) October 3, 2018

A recent tweet by Paul Chaloner highlighted the issue of Non-payment by event organisers. Quoting the said tweet, Nahaz recalled dues owed to him by tournament organisers. These numbers run into five digit figures according to Nahaz. The fact that such a prominent and visible talent is owed so much money is truly astonishing.

This. In evaluating whether to continue full time in esports, a big issue is that I am owed in the mid five figures in talent and consulting fees that I am not sure will EVER be paid. And I’m lucky- I can afford to take that loss. I know others in similar situations who can’t. https://t.co/4fXCrHcFHh

• Nahaz (@NahazDota) October 3, 2018

The emergence of Law firms specialising in esports With the growth of esports, we have had multiple law firms specialising in esports. They help in proving adequate legal cover to players, talent as well as team owners. Negotiating contracts, ensuring fair benefits to the players and advising them of their legal rights is commonplace in today’s esports scene. With Franchised leagues such as Overwatch League and League of Legends taking the initiative in establishing player rights and benefits, legal experts specialising in esports are seeing increased demand. Dota 2 needs a players’ union The lack of any sort of union in Dota 2 is truly baffling. It is the only big esports title with no plans of any potential players’ union in the future. The Counter-Strike Global Offensive professional Players Association recently appointed Mads Oland as their CEO.

Happy to announce that I have been appointed CEO of the @CSPPAgg by the board of players. Will do my best to serve the interests of the professional CS:GO players. Most top tier players are members (138). A lot of work ahead to improve conditions for players and the industry. pic.twitter.com/3Et5qzZ0LV

• Mads Øland (@MadsOland) October 4, 2018

Keeping track of the people behind such dubious organisations and blacklisting them from esports is necessary for the growth of the scene. While non-payment of dues was overlooked in the past decade, it should not be tolerated anymore. Players and the talent personnel should come together to ensure accountability from tournament organisers and team owners.