Forward Gaming’s CEO has shut down the organization, revealing its dire financial situation and leaving players stranded before The International 9.
Daniel Dayshotan, CEO and founder of Forward Gaming, posted a heartfelt message describing the shutdown of the company. The organization will release all employees’ contracts due to poor finances. The players are also owed one month’s salary and a total of $36,000 in prize money.
Forward’s website is down because of a database error, likely due to the overwhelming amount of click-throughs to the website. Dashtoyan has posted a copy of the original statement, though.
Related: The International 2019 prize pool surpasses $30 million
Despite Forward’s arrears to its team, the players and the organization seem to have parted on good terms. Jingjun “Sneyking” Wu, Forward’s offlane player, tweeted in the aftermath, describing positive experiences with the organization.
It has been a wonderful experience in Forward Gaming. I am very sad that this is end for Forward Gaming as an organization.
— Sneyking (@Sneyking1995) July 21, 2019
Jack “KBBQ” Chen, the team’s manager, also confirms that the group will remain together and they’re looking for a sponsor to attend TI9.
it's been a difficult season but we're thankful to @TheDashtoyan and the people at forward for the indispensable support and assistance they provided throughout the year. the dota team with coach @Aui_2000 and myself as manager will remain intact and be looking for a TI sponsor
— Jack Chen (@KBBQDotA) July 21, 2019
Since the team already qualified for TI9, expect to see organizations swoop in for the former Forward players. With TI9’s prize pool broaching $30 million, the team will receive at least $75,000 even if they come in last place at the event.
