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The Esports Advocate
This reacquisition follows a period of ownership by Vertiqal Studios. The transaction marks a significant leadership transition for the esports organization.
Key change. Luminosity Gaming is now back under the ownership of its original founder, Steve Maida.
In January 2026, Luminosity Gaming was reacquired by its original founder, Steve Maida, marking a significant leadership transition for the esports organization. This transaction follows a period of instability under the ownership of Vertiqal Studios, which had faced public scrutiny regarding delayed payments to content creators and contractors. The acquisition aims to stabilize the brand and shift focus toward future operations and organizational rebuilding.
The financial terms of the deal include an initial purchase price of C$300,000, with an additional C$125,000 payment contingent upon future revenue collection. A critical component of the agreement is the separation of liabilities; Vertiqal Studios retains responsibility for all historical debts and unpaid obligations incurred prior to the sale. Consequently, the new ownership structure does not assume these past financial burdens, leaving the resolution of outstanding creator payments as a lingering issue for the previous parent company.
This divestment concludes a short-lived tenure for Vertiqal Studios, which had acquired Luminosity Gaming and other assets from Enthusiast Gaming in September 2025. While official communications from the brand suggest that active creator debts have been settled, independent verification remains elusive, and reports of unresolved claims persist. The move represents a strategic effort to distance the Luminosity brand from the operational challenges that characterized its recent corporate history.
Embracer Group · 2021