‘All we want is more freedom to monetize’: Gen.G CEO reacts to LCK prize pool removal

Gen.G CEO Arnold Hur has weighed in on Riot Games’ decision to remove regional split prize pools from the League of Legends Champions Korea starting in 2026, calling the move “unfortunate” but reflective of the broader direction esports publishers are taking.

“At this point, most (League) teams have given up asking for more. All we want is more freedom to monetize,” Arnold said on X, explaining that teams are no longer looking to prize pools as a meaningful solution, but instead want greater control over how they generate revenue in an ecosystem increasingly driven by sustainability.