3DMAX loses almost $1m in a fraud scam

French esports organisation 3DMAX has fallen victim to a fraud scam, causing it to suffer financial losses totalling almost seven figures.

Stéphane Pons, 3DMAX CEO, revealed in an interview with Lasource.gg that a former partner committed the fraud shortly before he took the role, resulting in significant structural and financial damage.

However, Pons didn’t disclose the exact figure or the name of the former partner involved in the fraud. Thanks to his background in finance, he managed to identify abnormal transactions taking place within the organisation, freezing its accounts to prevent further damage.

The 3DMAX CEO confirmed that all team revenue had gone, including income generated from tournament placements and Major sticker money. Counter-Strike’s Major stickers play an integral role in the shooter title’s ecosystem, with Valve splitting 50% of revenue from capsules among the 32 teams competing in the tournament.

“Shortly before my arrival, we were victims of fraud perpetrated by a former partner of the organisation,” Pons revealed in the interview. “Legal action is underway. The sum is six figures, close to seven. However, I have committed, along with the owner, to cover 100% of the missing amount for the players. We’re reassessing our income to ensure the team has all the support and tools it needs.”

In addition to covering the cost of the losses, Pons stated that 3DMAX is close to resolving the situation and is expected to share an update containing positive news in the future.

The Counter-Strike ecosystem is no stranger to players and teams being impacted by a range of illegal activities. In March 2025, former FaZe Clan player Joakim ‘Jkaem‘ Myrbostad revealed that he gambled away $11,000 (~£8,124) worth of valuable skins that were loaned to him for use at the BLAST.tv Paris Major in 2023.

In recent months, hackers have been hijacking YouTube accounts to impersonate high-profile players, luring fans into participating in fake giveaways that result in stolen Steam accounts and the loss of high-value in-game items.