Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The esports model for teams is broken! We break down why the current esports ecosystem is financially broken for teams and how publisher-controlled revenue models have created deep misalignment. Featuring Gen.G CEO Arnold Hur, the conversation explores why previous league revenue models failed, how Riot’s approach in League of Legends and VALORANT differs, the rise of “moneyball” roster building, and what a future Superleague or structural reset might look like. We also cover alternative revenue opportunities, the state of sponsorship value, and what meaningful changes could actually save the ecosystem.
If you care about the future of esports, drop a comment with the model YOU think can fix the scene. Don't forget to like and subscribe to see more videos similar to this one!
NOTE: Richard was not able to join this episode due to a scheduling conflict. There is no cause for alarm.
Eat smart at FactorMeals.com/horsemen50off and use code horsemen50off to get 50% off your first box, plus Free Breakfast for 1 Year.
Quit overspending on wireless with 50% off Unlimited premium wireless! Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/FOURHORSEMEN
Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code HORSEMEN at shopmando.com
The Four Horsemen is the premier esports industry show that reacts to important news and critical conversations across all major titles. Esports veterans Duncan "Thorin" Shields, Richard Lewis, and Christopher "MonteCristo" Mykles use their decades of experience to shed light and debate on key esports topics as they emerge. Each episode they are joined by an expert guest to help further provide insider information on the topic at hand.
Episode 57 was filmed on January 31st, 2026.
Watch The Four Horsemen on Spotify with video:
open.spotify.com/show/2NBATCQs2dq50PJRjND7j9
Listen to The Four Horsemen on these audio platforms!
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-four-horsemen/id1555303495
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/ucw0inmo
Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/the-four-horsemen/PC:1001030353
iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104246987
Come join the Insight on Esports Discord for in-depth discussion across esports: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU
0:00 - Overview
16:00 - Publishers' goals vs teams' goals
57:30 - Why did other league revenue models fail?
1:14:11 - Other revenue opportunities
1:25:15 - Riot's mistakes in VALORANT
1:30:55 - Teams are incentivized to play moneyball + current problems with LoL
1:41:20 - Sponsorships
1:55:23 - Is a Superleague the future?
2:11:31 - Potential changes
#leagueoflegends #lolesports #lcs #lec #lck #lpl #esports #esportsnews
The esports model for teams is broken! We break down why the current esports ecosystem is financially broken for teams and how publisher-controlled revenue models have created deep misalignment. Featuring Gen.G CEO Arnold Hur, the conversation explores why previous league revenue models failed, how Riot’s approach in League of Legends and VALORANT differs, the rise of “moneyball” roster building, and what a future Superleague or structural reset might look like. We also cover alternative revenue opportunities, the state of sponsorship value, and what meaningful changes could actually save the ecosystem.
If you care about the future of esports, drop a comment with the model YOU think can fix the scene. Don't forget to like and subscribe to see more videos similar to this one!
NOTE: Richard was not able to join this episode due to a scheduling conflict. There is no cause for alarm.
Eat smart at FactorMeals.com/horsemen50off and use code horsemen50off to get 50% off your first box, plus Free Breakfast for 1 Year.
Quit overspending on wireless with 50% off Unlimited premium wireless! Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/FOURHORSEMEN
Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code HORSEMEN at shopmando.com
The Four Horsemen is the premier esports industry show that reacts to important news and critical conversations across all major titles. Esports veterans Duncan "Thorin" Shields, Richard Lewis, and Christopher "MonteCristo" Mykles use their decades of experience to shed light and debate on key esports topics as they emerge. Each episode they are joined by an expert guest to help further provide insider information on the topic at hand.
Episode 57 was filmed on January 31st, 2026.
Watch The Four Horsemen on Spotify with video:
open.spotify.com/show/2NBATCQs2dq50PJRjND7j9
Listen to The Four Horsemen on these audio platforms!
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-four-horsemen/id1555303495
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/ucw0inmo
Pandora: pandora.com/podcast/the-four-horsemen/PC:1001030353
iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/104246987
Come join the Insight on Esports Discord for in-depth discussion across esports: discord.gg/zeWYq4JhEU
0:00 - Overview
16:00 - Publishers' goals vs teams' goals
57:30 - Why did other league revenue models fail?
1:14:11 - Other revenue opportunities
1:25:15 - Riot's mistakes in VALORANT
1:30:55 - Teams are incentivized to play moneyball + current problems with LoL
1:41:20 - Sponsorships
1:55:23 - Is a Superleague the future?
2:11:31 - Potential changes
#leagueoflegends #lolesports #lcs #lec #lck #lpl #esports #esportsnews
