Natus Vincere's Aleksib Indicted for Unreported CS2 Sticker Revenue in Finland
Key takeaways
- Aleksib indicted for failing to declare €53,000 from CS2 sticker sales in 2020; prosecutors seek four-month suspended sentence.
- Player claims he was 22 with no tax knowledge and believed obligations were already handled through standard withholding.
- Case highlights how esports revenue streams—cosmetics, team cuts—create tax compliance gaps for young professionals.
Aleksi "Aleksib" Virolainen, a professional Counter-Strike 2 player for Natus Vincere, was indicted October 16 at Eastern Uusimaa District Court for allegedly failing to declare €53,000 in sticker-related income from Valve during 2020. Prosecutors claim the undisclosed earnings allowed him to avoid roughly €28,000 in taxes. Virolainen admitted to the omission but stated he was 22 at the time with limited tax knowledge, believing his obligations were already handled through withholding on other income.
In Counter-Strike 2, players purchase virtual weapon stickers via Steam Marketplace and third-party sites. Professional teams typically receive revenue cuts from these sales at major tournaments. The indictment covers the period from May through September 2020. Prosecutors are seeking a four-month suspended sentence, though Virolainen has not been formally convicted. A district court ruling is pending.
The bigger picture
This case highlights a blind spot in esports taxation: as cosmetic revenue streams proliferate, young players often lack financial literacy around filing obligations. Teams and esports organizations should provide clearer guidance on declaring earnings from stickers, drops, and tournament cuts. Virolainen's age and claimed ignorance may influence the ruling, but it signals that tax authorities are now scrutinizing esports income sources that were previously informal or overlooked.
We're following this because it sits at the intersection of gaming's professionalization and adult responsibilities that many young pros miss. Aleksib's case—whether he's ultimately convicted or acquitted—will likely set precedent for how esports earnings are taxed internationally. We think readers should know that playing professionally involves more than mechanical skill.
As an Amazon Associate, LagPing earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links.
You might also like
A Composer's Farewell: Hearing the Music of the Mass Effect Game That Never Was
1h ago
Teen Held Captive for 500 Days Escapes via Among Us Contact
1h ago
Bit Reactor cuts staff again despite Zero Company's million-copy success
1h ago
Pokémon Company Asked to Honor Late Collector Avery With Commemorative Card
1d ago