A high-stakes legal battle is unfolding in California as a top-ranked player accuses an online gaming company of unfair practices and fraud. Nathaniel Tsegay filed a complaint against Skillz Inc. in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, on November 27, 2024. The lawsuit alleges that Skillz Inc., a prominent online gaming platform, wrongfully suspended Tsegay's account and seized his substantial winnings.
Nathaniel Tsegay, a renowned Dominoes player with nine world championships under his belt, claims that Skillz Inc. engaged in multiple unlawful activities, including unfair business practices, breach of contract, and invasion of privacy. According to the complaint, Tsegay re-registered for the Dominoes Gold app on June 30, 2021, after initially losing access to his account in 2020. He deposited funds into his account and quickly amassed nearly $90,000 in winnings through legitimate gameplay. However, when he attempted to withdraw his earnings, he was subjected to a rigorous verification process by Skillz.
Tsegay alleges that despite complying with all verification requirements and demonstrating his exceptional skill during live playtests via Zoom calls with Skillz representatives, his account was inexplicably locked. The company accused him of exploiting match refunds without providing evidence or explanation for their claims. Tsegay's repeated requests for clarification and reinstatement of his account went unanswered by Skillz Support.
The complaint further details how Tsegay underwent a second verification process on April 14, 2022, where he once again proved his abilities against the company's AI system. Despite this successful demonstration of skill and compliance with terms set by Skillz Inc., he received accusations of cheating from the company's AI system later that year. This led to another suspension of his account and the freezing of approximately $55,000 in cash and gift cards.
Throughout this ordeal, Tsegay maintained communication with other players who experienced similar issues with Skillz Inc., suggesting systemic problems within the company's operations. He also recorded himself playing under various conditions to prove his integrity but continued facing obstacles from the defendant.
In response to these grievances, Tsegay seeks restitution for monetary losses incurred due to what he describes as fraudulent conduct by Skillz Inc., alongside general damages and statutory damages for breach of contract and negligence. Additionally, he requests an injunction preventing further unlawful actions by the defendant and demands attorney fees be covered.
Representing Nathaniel Tsegay are attorneys Kent Tierney and Hamaseh Sorooshian from Tierney Law Group PC based in Pleasanton. The case is being overseen by Judge Sahar at the Superior Court of California under Case ID CGC-24-620/155.