Thomas Hamence, the long-standing CEO of paiN Gaming, has officially resigned from his position this Thursday, 12 March, following an investigation into the organisation’s handling of sexual abuse allegations against League of Legends player Alexandre “TitaN” Lima.
Also read: paiN Gaming terminates TitaN’s contract following formalisation of sexual crime investigation
The resignation follows days of intense scrutiny and new investigative reports from Sheep Esports and Mais Esports. These reports allege that the paiN Gaming administration was aware of the severity of the situation regarding TitaN but actively attempted to shield the player. According to the reports, TitaN had even returned to training with the squad following an initial suspension in January.
Furthermore, the reports suggest that the organisation’s leadership held meetings with the heads of paiN’s organised supporter groups in a strategic attempt to downplay the allegations.
The reports caused a near-total breakdown in the relationship between the organisation and its massive fanbase—historically considered one of the most loyal in the world. “Tradicionais,” one of the most prominent supporters group, announced a few hours before Hamence’s resignation that they would officially sever all ties with the organisation.
This sentiment was echoed across social media, where a large amount of supporters vowed to stop following the team. While paiN Gaming had previously defended their lack of action by citing potential legal liabilities and the absence of a formal charge at the time, the revelation of an alleged “protection” strategy rendered those arguments moot in the eyes of the public.
In a statement also released via social media, paiN Gaming addressed its supporters directly, acknowledging that the board had failed to uphold the values of the community. The organisation translated the gravity of the moment, admitting that their recent survival-focused corporate logic led to a catastrophic moral error.
The full announcement read:
“There is a place that paiN Gaming occupies in the hearts of the fans, a place that is impossible to fill. It is impossible because, to occupy that place, one would need to go back in time to where it all began and where each person’s memories were built. A nostalgic place, full of joy, achievements, love, and respect.
paiN Gaming’s recent decisions were made by treating the organisation as just a business, and that is where we made our mistake. paiN Gaming is not just a business. And, if we can recall our most famous quote, we will remember that: ‘This isn’t a team, this is a [expletive] family.’
In light of this, we announce that the CEO, Thomas Hamence, is officially resigning from his position at paiN Gaming. May this stain on our history serve as a reminder for future generations: paiN’s fans will always be our greatest triumph, and we must honour them. This is just the first step of a new era.”
When contacted by The Esports Radar, the organisation clarified that Hamence’s resignation was reached by mutual agreement and categorically stated that no pressure had been applied by sponsors, though sources indicate that brands remain attentive. In a formal statement provided to The Esports Radar, paiN Gaming further detailed the nature of the exit:
“The resignation of Thomas Hamence was a decision made by mutual agreement between the executive and the Board of Directors. In alignment with the Board, Thomas understood that this is a necessary step for paiN Gaming to begin a new chapter in its management, maintaining the commitment to its history and its community.
At the moment, the organisation is focused on the leadership transition and will not provide additional details regarding internal and personal deliberations.”
Thomas Hamence’s tenure as CEO began in 2018. Over his eight-year leadership, the organization secured some of the most prestigious non-endemic sponsorships in Brazilian history, including landmark deals with BMW, Coca-Cola, Subway, JBL, and Melitta.
Commercially, Hamence was instrumental in the 2022 inauguration of the team’s São Paulo headquarters, one of the largest esports facilities in Latin America, and more recently, the 2026 expansion into the Kings League through a partnership with Desimpedidos. Competitively, the organization broke a long title drought in League of Legends by winning CBLOL (Brazilian League of Legends Championship) in 2021 and 2024.
As it stands, Arthur “PAADA“ Curiati, the owner of paiN Gaming, remains at the helm, but it is currently unclear who will succeed Hamence as CEO. There is also ongoing speculation regarding the future of other board members who were reportedly involved in the decision-making process.
The Esports Radar will provide updates as more facts come to light.
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