TL;DR
- 2017 World Champions still unpaid for skin revenue three years after victory
- Riot reduced winner’s prize pool share from 37% to 25% citing skin earnings
- Selective payment distribution creates fairness concerns among team members
- Champions earn approximately $2.25 per skin sold during limited availability
- Payment delays highlight systemic issues in esports revenue distribution
Professional esports athlete Lee “CuVee” Seong-jin, formerly of Gen.G’s top lane position, made a startling disclosure during a live streaming session regarding unpaid compensation for the 2017 World Championship victory. The revelation highlights significant payment processing delays affecting multiple championship team members.
The Samsung Galaxy roster achieved legendary status in competitive League of Legends history when they defeated the formidable SK Telecom T1 organization. As recognition for their championship performance, the team was granted exclusive cosmetic skins representing their achievement. This marked the second commemorative skin collection for the Samsung organization, featuring champion selections including Taliyah, Jarvan IV, Ezreal, Gnar, Xayah, and Rakan. Each cosmetic item was priced at 1,350 Riot Points, equivalent to approximately $9 in US currency. According to established revenue sharing agreements, competitors should receive 25% of the sales revenue, translating to roughly $2.25 per individual skin purchase. These exclusive items remain available for acquisition only during specified time windows.
Based on CuVee’s account, former teammates who transitioned to the North American LCS competitive circuit—specifically Jo “CoreJJ” Yong-in and Lee “Crown” Min-ho—have received their allocated payments. However, CuVee himself, along with ADC specialist Park “Ruler” Jae-hyuk and retired jungler Kang “Ambition” Chan-yong continue awaiting compensation. Nearly three years have elapsed since Samsung Galaxy hoisted the Summoner’s Cup trophy at Beijing’s National Stadium, representing an unreasonable delay for the three unpaid athletes.
How much money does a LoL World Champion earn?
Riot Games implemented significant modifications to prize money allocation structures, with tournament victors now receiving 25% of the total prize pool. This represents a substantial reduction from the previous distribution model where champions claimed 37% of available prize funds. During the 2019 competitive season, the World Championship featured a guaranteed minimum prize pool of $2.2 million USD. As tournament champions, FunPlus Phoenix secured $834,375 in direct prize earnings, supplemented by additional revenue from associated championship skin sales.
The rationale behind prize distribution adjustments stems directly from championship skin revenue streams. According to Riot Games representatives, professional players generate substantial income through skin sales commissions, justifying the reduction in direct prize allocations. Complications emerge when athletes fail to receive their designated revenue shares, particularly when payment distribution appears inconsistent across team members. Riot Games has not yet provided official commentary addressing the current payment situation.
Action Checklist
- Research championship skin revenue sharing terms before team commitments
- Document all payment agreements and revenue share percentages in writing
- Monitor skin sales windows and track potential revenue periods
- Establish clear communication channels with organizational payment administrators
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » CuVee says Riot Games has not paid World Champions skin sales Uncovering the financial realities and payment controversies behind League of Legends World Championship earnings