
The esports organisation Into the Breach (ITB) have announced their closure following revelations of severe financial misconduct by CEO Sam “SlayTheMinotaur” Macedonio Cook.
Once a rising star in competitive gaming, especially Counter-Strike 2, ITB’s demise highlights a dramatic betrayal of trust and the far-reaching consequences of mismanagement.
In a statement released on January 25, 2024, ITB revealed the results of an internal investigation that uncovered significant embezzlement.
Cook, entrusted with full financial control, misappropriated approximately £600,000 in director’s loans without due process.
He later admitted to spending the funds recklessly, describing himself as a “destructive, alcoholic narcissist.”
The organisation cited this betrayal as the primary reason for their unsustainable financial state, forcing a complete shutdown of operations.
ITB pledged to work with legal and financial advisors to ensure transparency and to prioritise supporting affected players, staff, and partners.
Cook admitted in his public statement that ITB earned around £5.5 million between 2023 and 2024 but claimed to have misused these funds during his tenure.
This included inappropriate loans taken “at incorrect times” and squandered on personal indulgences.
Pretty nice looking apartment for someone who owes 500,000+$ to players.. GG https://t.co/xxcPqeee9F
— Owen Butterfield (@smooyacs) January 27, 2025
Owen “smooya” Butterfield, a professional player signed during ITB’s post-Major roster rebuild, publicly accused Cook of owing over $500,000 in unpaid salaries and other funds.
Allegations also surfaced about managerial misuse of company resources for personal luxuries, further compounding the financial strain.
ITB’s rise to prominence was driven by their Cinderella run to the quarterfinals of the BLAST.tv Paris Major in 2023, a feat that put the organisation on the map.
This success inspired expansion into games like Dota 2, Rainbow Six Siege, and Halo, supported by a lucrative naming rights partnership with Shuffle.
However, the momentum was short-lived as the organisation struggled with roster instability and financial mismanagement.
Cook acknowledged his personal struggles, including substance abuse and failed efforts to stabilise ITB.
He admitted signing contracts that promised players additional revenue, exacerbating disputes over Paris Major sticker earnings.
Despite claiming that players were compensated “from all sources,” former team members, including Karol “rallen” Rodowicz, publicly contested these assertions, stating they were still owed salaries and bonuses.
With operations ceasing entirely, ITB’s players and staff are now free agents.
Cook has accepted responsibility for the scandal, stating that he will face legal consequences and strive to reimburse those affected, though available funds are limited.
The organisation emphasised their commitment to a transparent and ethical wind-down process.
ITB’s closure marks a cautionary tale for the esports industry, underscoring the importance of financial oversight and trust in leadership.
What began as a dream for underdogs ended in scandal and betrayal, leaving a once-promising organisation in ruins.
The community is left grappling with the fallout, and ITB’s story serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of success without accountability.
— Into The Breach Esports (@ITBesports) January 27, 2025