paiN Gaming CEO Thomas Hamence resigns amid TitaN scandal

A CEO resignation just blew up one of Brazil's most iconic esports orgs after reports exposed an alleged cover-up of sexual abuse allegations.

Thomas Hamence exits paiN Gaming as CEO

• Thomas Hamence officially resigned from paiN Gaming on March 12.
• His departure followed reports alleging the org shielded a player.
• Alexandre Lima, known as TitaN, faces a sexual crime investigation.
• Hamence's exit was described as a mutual-agreement decision.

Reports allege paiN actively protected TitaN

• TitaN reportedly resumed squad training after a January suspension.
• Leadership allegedly met supporter-group heads to downplay allegations.
• paiN had previously cited legal liabilities for its inaction.
• Those justifications collapsed once the protection claims surfaced.

Fanbase turned on the org almost overnight

• Tradicionais, a major supporter group, severed all ties publicly.
• Massive social-media backlash saw fans vowing to walk away.
• paiN's historically loyal community felt deeply betrayed.
• Org admitted its survival-focused corporate logic was a catastrophic mistake.

paiN's statement leaned hard into emotional framing

• The board acknowledged failing the community's core values.
• Their message referenced paiN's iconic family-first identity.
• Hamence's resignation was positioned as step one of renewal.
• No sponsor pressure was cited, but brands are reportedly watching.

Hamence built an impressive legacy before this

• His CEO tenure started in 2018 and spanned eight years.
• Major non-endemic sponsors landed under his watch.
• paiN opened a massive São Paulo HQ facility in 2022.
• CBLOL titles came in 2021 and 2024 during his era.

Leadership vacuum raises big questions going forward

• Owner Arthur Curiati remains in charge for the moment.
• No successor for the CEO role has been named yet.
• Other board members involved face ongoing speculation.
• paiN's 2026 Kings League expansion adds transition complexity.