TENSTAR to Suspend Operations
British esports organization TENSTAR has announced that it will be closing its doors and suspending operations after two years. The organization cites difficulties in attracting investment partners and the unsustainable conditions of the tier-two scene as the reasons for its closure. However, TENSTAR has expressed its intention to return once it can ensure sustainability.
The West Midlands-based organization is currently working on resolving outstanding payments to its players and staff. In order to avoid incurring additional costs, TENSTAR has decided to suspend operations during this process.
TENSTAR’s statement mentions that despite engaging in numerous discussions with potential investment partners, the organization was unable to move forward due to the lack of potential returns on investments. The tier-two scenes of games like VALORANT and Rainbow Six Siege were deemed unsustainable without substantial third-party investment, which led to the transfer of players to other organizations.
According to TENSTAR, even winning a regional VALORANT Challengers League would generate insufficient revenue to cover the expenses of a single player for one month. The organization competed in the VRL East last year and the current year’s Challengers East offers a mere €7,500 prize for the winner of the first split. In comparison, the winner of NA Challengers split one receives $20,000.
Throughout the past year, TENSTAR has faced challenges, including benching and transferring its entire VALORANT main roster twice. It first transferred a roster to MAD Lions in April 2022 and later attempted to part ways with its Polish roster at the end of the same year. Additionally, TENSTAR has also been involved in the tier-two scenes of Siege and CS:GO, competing in gauntlet qualifiers with slim chances of reaching major tournaments.
In conclusion, TENSTAR’s decision to suspend operations comes as a result of the organization’s struggle to attract investment partners and the unsustainable nature of the tier-two esports scene. By addressing these challenges, TENSTAR aims to return with a more sustainable model in the future.
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