G1 Settles Back-Pay Issues With Women’s Car Ball Players and Staff

Gamers First (G1) has successfully resolved outstanding payment obligations to players and staff associated with the Women’s Car Ball (WCB) league. The resolution followed public allegations that participants had not received compensation since March 2023. The dispute reached a critical point when the eight teams qualified for the WCB Championship threatened a collective boycott of the event, prompting G1 to organize the necessary payments shortly thereafter.

The WCB, a Rocket League competition focused on supporting women in North America and Europe, was acquired by G1 from the Kansas City Pioneers in February 2023. The financial instability surrounding the league predates this acquisition, as the previous owners had struggled with funding and paused operations in early 2023. The recent settlement ensures that the WCB Season 5 Championship, which features a $10,000 USD prize pool, can proceed as scheduled on August 19–20.

The situation highlights the influence of collective action within the esports community, as the threat of a boycott proved effective in securing overdue compensation. While G1 has addressed these specific debts, the organization remains under scrutiny regarding its broader financial management, including claims from former professional players regarding unpaid wages. G1, founded by former NFL player Kenny Vaccaro, continues to operate across multiple esports titles, including Trackmania, Halo, and Rocket League, while recently expanding its portfolio through the acquisition of the gaming PC manufacturer Evolve PC.