Luminosity Gaming has officially changed hands, returning to its former owner and founder Steve Maida. The announcement came late Friday through various social media posts, marking a significant shift for the organization after a tumultuous period under Vertiqal Studios. The previous ownership faced accusations from multiple content creators and former employees regarding delayed payments for services rendered, which has cast a shadow over the brand’s reputation.
According to a post from the official Luminosity Gaming account, the deal has been confirmed, with Maida reacquiring the company he once helped establish. The details of the transaction reveal that the purchase price for Luminosity was C$300,000, accompanied by a conditional C$125,000 payment to Vertiqal once revenue reaches that amount under a Sales Agency Agreement. Importantly, Vertiqal retains all historical debts, liabilities, and any outstanding payments owed to creators that emerged prior to the ownership transition. As a result, the responsibility for these obligations does not fall on Maida, who is now focused solely on revitalizing the Luminosity brand.
Maida expressed his enthusiasm for the reacquisition through a LinkedIn post, emphasizing his commitment to rebuilding the organization’s legacy. While the Luminosity account claims that all active creators owed money have been compensated in full, The Esports Advocate has been unable to independently verify these assertions. Subsequent posts suggest lingering discrepancies, highlighting a complex relationship between the new ownership and past financial obligations.
The path to this acquisition traces back to September 2025, when Enthusiast Gaming, the previous owner, divested several business areas to Vertiqal Studios. This included Luminosity Gaming and related assets, alongside the direct-sales operation. Enthusiast Gaming announced its binding letter of intent to sell its direct-sales business line, which encompassed Omnia Media and GameCo Esports Canada—the latter being the operator of Luminosity Gaming—for C$900,000 CAD (approximately $653,000 USD). This initial deal also included the assumption of existing liabilities estimated at around $2.6 million.
The transition to Vertiqal marked a critical juncture for Luminosity, which had been a prominent name in the esports scene. Founded in 2015, Luminosity gained recognition for its competitive teams across various titles, including popular games like **Call of Duty**, **Fortnite**, and **Counter-Strike: Global Offensive**. However, the brand’s reputation suffered under the weight of management controversies and financial mismanagement during its time with Vertiqal.
As Luminosity Gaming embarks on this new chapter under Maida’s leadership, the organization aims to restore its standing within the competitive gaming community. The focus will primarily be on fostering relationships with content creators, reconsolidating team rosters, and re-establishing a brand identity that resonates with fans and partners alike.
In the broader context of the esports industry, this acquisition reflects a growing trend of familiar figures reclaiming their brands after periods of instability. With founders like Maida returning, there is a renewed emphasis on authenticity and accountability in team management. As Luminosity Gaming looks to the future, the success of this transition will depend on its ability to balance financial health with community engagement, ultimately striving to reclaim its place among the elite in esports.
