TL;DR
- Relog Media pays CS:GO casters €35 per best-of-three series and €12.50 per single map
- GRID Esports talent manager threatened dismissal over payment rate discussions
- Casters face heavy workloads with two best-of-three series daily requirements
- Company cites budget limitations while running $60,000 prize pool tournaments
- Similar payment issues reported at Vortex Entertainment, indicating industry-wide patterns
Serbian production company Relog Media faces serious allegations regarding inadequate compensation for broadcast professionals working their Counter-Strike: Global Offensive tournaments. This situation highlights systemic issues within the rapidly growing esports industry.
Prominent CSGO commentator pr0nogo has publicly criticized both Relog Media and their collaborative partner GRID Esports for offering substandard payment rates to on-air talent. These organizations gained recognition through successful event productions including Snow Sweet Snow and the Pinnacle Cup series.
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to stop beating around the bush. Meet
@EsportsKieran, a talent manager for
@GRIDesports
threatening to fire his
#SnowSweetSnow
talent for discussing their rates.
You’ll be getting to know Kieran very soon. This is just a taste.
Welcome to esports.
pic.twitter.com/KliBSATZH8— Pr0nogo (@pr0nogo)
March 10, 2021
Relog Media Talent Compensation Breakdown
According to pr0nogo’s detailed allegations, Relog Media establishes its payment structure at 35€ for complete best-of-three match coverage and 12.50€ for individual map broadcasts. These figures represent gross amounts before tax deductions, as broadcast professionals typically operate under freelance arrangements rather than employment contracts. During playoff stages, compensation sees an increase ranging between 80-100€ per series.
The concerning payment rates compound with reportedly excessive workload demands. Casters must commit to covering two full best-of-three series daily, creating extended work hours for minimal financial return that falls significantly below established industry standards.
Independent verification from industry insiders familiar with contractual agreements confirms the accuracy of these payment figures, though some aspects of pr0nogo’s broader claims generated debate among knowledgeable sources.
WIN.gg received information indicating Relog Media engages talent across multiple consecutive events, theoretically allowing broadcasters to pursue additional opportunities. These sources emphasized the company operates within constrained financial parameters, suggesting the reduced rates reflect these budgetary limitations.
Despite financial constraints cited, Snow Sweet Snow tournaments successfully attracted prominent competitive organizations through substantial prize offerings. Current participants include Ninjas in Pyjamas, Cloud9, and MIBR, while previous editions featured FunPlus Phoenix and Dignitas. The Snow Sweet Snow event distributed $60,000 in total prizes, with $40,000 allocated to the championship team.
Talent Management and Intimidation Allegations
pr0nogo further alleged that GRID Esports talent manager Kieran Cullinan engaged in intimidating behavior toward casters during the recent Snow Sweet Snow tournament after payment details became publicly known.
“…I advise you go and carefully review section 6.1 of your signed agreement, specifically addressing ‘Confidentiality and Data Protection’ provisions. Any additional information I receive regarding this matter will lead to immediate termination,” Cullinan stated according to allegations.
Sources indicated Cullinan transmitted this communication via Discord messaging platform, though WIN.gg could not independently authenticate the original conversation records.
Following pr0nogo’s initial social media exposure, multiple community casters came forward with similar claims against Vortex Entertainment, alleging comparable below-market compensation practices. Notably, Cullinan previously served as co-CEO of Vortex before assuming his current position at GRID Esports.
The emerging pattern suggests potential systemic issues within certain segments of esports production. Freelance broadcast talent often lacks the collective bargaining power and contractual protections available to traditional sports commentators.
Industry professionals should carefully negotiate contract terms before accepting positions, particularly regarding confidentiality clauses that may restrict discussion of working conditions. Understanding market rates for similar roles at established tournament organizers provides crucial negotiation leverage.
For those navigating the esports industry landscape, our Complete Guide offers valuable insights into professional gaming ecosystems. Additionally, casters seeking to maximize their value should consider specialized training, similar to how players master specific Weapons Unlock systems, and develop comprehensive role understanding as detailed in our Class Guide for optimal performance.
Action Checklist
- Research standard industry rates for similar broadcast roles before contract negotiations
- Carefully review confidentiality clauses in talent contracts before signing
- Document all professional communications regarding payment and working conditions
- Network with other broadcast professionals to understand prevailing market standards
- Consult with esports industry organizations about fair compensation practices
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