The State of Esports Business: Is 2023 the esports winter? (feat. lurppis)

In this episode of The Four Horsemen, Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo are joined by Barry Lee of Evolved Talent to dissect the recent T1 Zeus agency drama that has captivated the esports scene. Barry offers an inside perspective on the contractual conflicts and accusations that arose during Zeus's free agency. The discussion also explores T1's distinctive K-pop style marketing strategies, League of Legends team management, and the potential repercussions in the competitive landscape. Additionally, the panel shares thoughts on Riot Games' recent controversies, including TFT rulings and the development of new game features. Tune in for an in-depth, insider look at some of the most pressing issues in esports today. Shop the Into the AM Sitewide Sale with up to 60% OFF until April 6. Save an additional 10% by using our link: https://intotheam.com/LFN. Also, visit the Last Free Nation Discord to give feedback on our latest t-shirt design collaboration! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code HORSEMEN at https://www.shopmando.com!

Welcome back to The Four Horsemen! In this episode, Thorin, Richard Lewis, and MonteCristo dive into the recent win trading scandal in Team Fight Tactics (TFT) esports, following the announcement of a new esports circuit. They are joined by Frodan, who provides an in-depth analysis of the situation. The discussion covers the suspected collusion involving Chinese players, the implications on the game's integrity, and the broader issues of match fixing in the esports industry. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation that sheds light on one of the most controversial topics in the competitive gaming world right now. Take advantage of Ridge’s one-a-year anniversary sale and get UP TO 40% OFF right now by going to https://www.Ridge.com/HORSEMAN Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code HORSEMEN at https://www.shopmando.com! Get 50% off FACTOR meals at https://www.factormeals.com/factorpodcast with code factorpodcast. High-quality, never-frozen meals delivered to your home!

Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo discuss updates on Saudi involvement in esports, the expanded partnership between Riot Games and the Esports World Cup (EWC), influencers like Doublelift, Tyler1, Nadeshot, and Thebausffs being involved with the EWC, why Saudi Arabia's human rights record has gotten worse, updates on the "Esports Olympics," and more.EXPRESSVPN now sponsors The Four Horsemen! Get FOUR free months of service with our link: https://www.expressvpn.com/horsemen

Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo are joined by Neil "Neil_M" Murphy, former manager of Into the Breach, to discuss the spectacularly scandalous implosion of Into the Breach, the shocking tweets from ITB CEO SlayTheMinotaur, the mishandling of funds, what happened to the sticker money from the final CS:GO Major, and more.EXPRESSVPN now sponsors The Four Horsemen! Get FOUR free months of service with our link: https://www.expressvpn.com/horsemenControl Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code HORSEMEN at https://www.shopmando.com!Go to https://www.buyraycon.com/horsemen TODAY to get 20% off your Raycon order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo are joined by Alban "G2 Stilgar" Dechelotte, the CEO of G2 Esports, to discuss the state of League of Legends, the current outlook for sponsorships within the scene, the impact that massive co-streamers like Caedrel and Kameto have on the game, Riot Games and their relationship with professional teams, G2's ability to set the tone for other teams to follow, and more.Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at https://drinkAG1.com/HORSEMEN.Thank you to INTOTHEAM for sponsoring this week's episode! Take part in their Anniversary Sale from January 22-February 9 with up to 50% OFF sitewide. Use our link to receive an additional 10% discount on anything you purchase on the website: https://www.intotheam.com/lfnEXPRESSVPN now sponsors The Four Horsemen! Get FOUR free months of service with our link: https://www.expressvpn.com/horsemenControl Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code HORSEMEN at https://www.shopmando.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo discuss the ban on TikTok and how it could affect Riot Games, the current state and bright future of Last Free Nation, evidence that the LEC is viewbotting their YouTube channel in a silly way, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo are joined by Jason Lake to discuss the state of Counter-Strike going into 2025, the future of Complexity, Valve's new rules regarding Majors and qualifying for them, difficulties that CS teams continue to face, and more.Get 50% off FACTOR meals at https://www.factormeals.com/50horsemen with code horsemen50. High-quality, never-frozen meals delivered to your home!Check out our t-shirt collaboration with INTO THE AM at https://www.intotheam.com/lfn-teeEXPRESSVPN now sponsors The Four Horsemen! Get THREE free months of service with our link: https://www.expressvpn.com/horsemen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo are joined by Thomas "Zaboutine" Si-Hassen to discuss the transition from LCS, CBLOL, and LLA into the LTA, the confusing status of 100 Thieves in 2024, how Riot borrowed ideas from Flashpoint in the new LTA format, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are joined by Aleksandar "kassad" Trifunović to discuss the shady dealings and broken promises of the BLEED organization, including misdeeds done to their CS2, VALORANT, and Mobile Legends divisions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Danan Flander joins to discuss changes coming to American League of Legends esports, the downfall of Immortals in the LCS, shady business dealings made by NRG, sloppy communication from Riot in regards to Tier 2 competition, why Saudi Arabia is likely to become even more involved with Riot, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices