Update (10/16/14): TidesofTime has been in contact with GosuGamers to clarify that it was representatives of WEC, and not the Chinese government or customs officials, who took the money from him after he was unable to bank it or take it out of the country in cash. Customs officials did not confiscate the money, but they did bar him from taking the money out of the country. Tides also stated that he attempted to deposit the funds in a Chinese bank, but all the banks were closed on the Sunday.
After winning 200,000 yen ($32,000) at the WEC event in China, TidesofTime has not yet actually been able to bank his money - but WEC promise he will be paid soon.
Back at the beginning of September, TidesofTime impressed the world when we travelled to China and took home the biggest first prize cheque in Hearthstone eSports to date. However, the giant cardboard cheque was not actually how Tides was paid his prize money. In a glitzy ceremony broadcast live on Chinese television, Tides was handed his massive winnings in cash to the surprise of many in the West.
However, this flashy gesture caused Tides problems when trying to take his prize home with him.
GosuGamers understands that when Tides was leaving China, he declared the cash to Chinese customs officials and had it confiscated. Until recently, Tides and his TempoStorm team have had trouble contacting the organisers to resolve the problem and get Tides his hard earned money.
However, we obtained a statement from WEC staff where they promised that they are in the process of attempting to send Tides his winnings by bank transfer, and that strict Chinese governance is to blame for the time taken. We also understand that Team TempoStorm have recently had assurances from 2P.com, who were the Western liason for WEC, that the money will be paid in the near future.
In a statement to GG.net, WEC staff said:
