BearClaw CEO speaks out on payment issues with Valorant team

BearClaw Gaming faced serious allegations in February regarding unpaid management staff and Valorant professional players. The organization’s leadership is now providing comprehensive details about the circumstances and underlying causes of this financial disruption.

BearClaw had secured a Korean professional Valorant roster, but shortly after signing, all contracts were terminated without any financial support or compensation being provided. The competitive squad opted to continue their esports journey under a different organizational banner, while BearClaw endured community scrutiny and accusations of financial mismanagement.

Subsequent developments have revealed crucial information. Harley “Reaper” Elizabeth Ipolani Parks, the 17-year-old founder and CEO of BearClaw, provided WIN with an exclusive interview detailing the actual events that transpired when their Valorant team became the center of payment controversy.

What triggered the February payment crisis when your Valorant players publicly disclosed their unpaid status?

Reaper: During December negotiations, Plynius Holdings Company committed to providing financial backing. They instructed us to recruit competitive teams with assurances that both players and management would receive timely compensation. However, when payment deadlines arrived, neither I nor the professional players received the promised funds. By February 15, BearClaw administrative staff coordinated with Valorant competitors to synchronize our public statements. We simultaneously announced our separation from Plynius since zero payments had been distributed to any stakeholders.

????Announcement to all the fans in Esports????
I appreciate the retweet, this is a huge issue and I hope other people know about this.
리트윗 부탁드립니다. 여러분들의 도움이 필요합니다! 꼭 널리 널리 퍼트려주세요. 이스포츠에서 이런 일들이 다시는 일어나지 않아야 합니다.pic.twitter.com/rebXiluBOl

— Steven Kim (@StevenKim_96)February 14, 2021

Shortly following our announcement, Plynius publicly released my termination documentation without authorization. They additionally claimed through social media channels that all payments had been processed on a specific date, which was factually inaccurate. Fortunately, Starlight Gaming, another esports organization, came forward that same day reporting similar experiences with Plynius. Their comprehensive disclosure revealed that 62 additional employees across various Plynius-associated organizations had experienced similar payment failures.

Message from@SLT_Gaming_pic.twitter.com/PYYKvXngv7

— Starlight Gaming (@SLT_Gaming_)February 15, 2021

What contractual framework existed between BearClaw and Plynius? Were payment guarantees established for you or the competitive players?

Our agreement consisted of an MOU (memorandum of understanding), which typically represents a non-binding terms arrangement rather than a legally enforceable contract.

How did you respond when the esports community initially believed BearClaw intentionally withheld Valorant roster compensation?

Initially, before additional supporters emerged publicly, numerous community members assumed we were deliberately avoiding payment responsibilities. Once evidence surfaced confirming Plynius had violated their agreement terms, I experienced significant relief. The financial responsibility wasn’t mine to bear.

All contractual arrangements were structured between our organization, the professional players, and Plynius directly—not through BearClaw as an intermediary. I maintained zero authority over accounting procedures or financial management during that period. Many players and management personnel remain close associates, and we’ve collectively worked to resolve this complex situation, with many individuals providing public support.

Despite having no current legal obligation for player compensation, I’m personally allocating resources from my college education fund to provide temporary financial assistance. This support stems from ethical considerations rather than representing Plynius obligations. These competitors were promised sustainable compensation that never materialized. I felt compelled to assist until they achieve additional competitive successes.

What developments have occurred since the Plynius payment issues became publicly known?

Currently, we’re consolidating efforts across multiple affected organizations. We’re actively pursuing recovery strategies while engaging with potential investors and new partnership opportunities. We’re gratefully receiving substantial community support with experienced professionals volunteering assistance. Consequently, we anticipate fielding additional competitive rosters and resuming our original competitive objectives.

We deeply appreciate all organizational offers and current developments. Seasoned industry professionals are joining our leadership framework. I’ve established a robust executive team featuring experienced personnel. The organizational structure now represents comprehensive team leadership rather than individual management.

What strategic vision guides BearClaw Gaming’s future development?

We intend to re-establish our Valorant competitive presence while maintaining PUBG, FIFA, and Super Smash Bros engagements. We’re enthusiastic about potential League of Legends and Overwatch expansions. These represent our current organizational priorities, though we may pursue additional growth opportunities while focusing on primary Riot Games titles and selected Valve competitive environments.

Why maintain commitment to BearClaw Gaming and esports industry involvement following these challenges?

My gaming passion developed during early childhood. Family members frequently participated in gaming sessions when schedules permitted. My military-service father maintains particular enthusiasm for Call of Duty titles. I continue nurturing this profound appreciation for gaming and computer technology. I’ve consistently undertaken leadership positions while demonstrating strong business orientation. Combining these elements to enter the esports domain represented natural progression. This pursuit embodies my professional aspiration. Observing organizations like FaZe Clan established clear directional objectives.

I recognized limited female representation and diversity within the industry. I aimed to challenge established stereotypes, increase female participation, and strengthen community support structures. This transformation requires time investment, though we’re experiencing solid recovery momentum. We’ve established new Valorant and PUBG competitive teams operating in Brazilian markets.

Any additional commentary you’d like to provide?

Regardless of circumstances, we maintain unwavering determination. We aspire to exceed conventional organizational boundaries. We intend to establish industry pioneering standards and innovative pathways. We seek to demonstrate that professional dreams transition from conceptual stages to full realization—individuals are building substantial organizations… I want to actualize that vision while demonstrating achievability and dismantling stereotypes.

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