In October 2024, the picturesque city of Malacca, Malaysia, played host to the Samsung Odyssey Cup, a prestigious Dota 2 tournament boasting a prize pool of $20,000. Among the fierce competition, Castawake emerged as champions, clinching the coveted first place and the promised $8,000 reward. However, the team’s celebration has turned sour as news surfaces that they have yet to receive their prize money. Travis "Castaway" Waters, a player from Castawake, recently voiced his frustration on Facebook, stating that the team’s hard-earned reward remains unpaid months after their victory. His post, laced with disappointment, sheds light on an ongoing struggle faced by esports players worldwide—the lack of timely compensation for their efforts. “It's sad that we have received radio silence from the TO in terms of prizepool after we signed all their payout contracts and such.” Castaway shared. His sentiments echo a broader issue in the esports community, where players often endure delayed payments, unfulfilled commitments, and a lack of support despite dedicating countless hours to their craft. This situation not only tarnishes the reputation of the tournament organizers but also undermines the growth of esports in Malaysia. Players like Castaway deserve respect and timely recognition for their contributions to the scene. It’s high time organizers uphold their promises, ensuring the esports industry remains a beacon of opportunity rather than a source of disappointment.