Problem is not that I didn't want to take part. But I cannot give you 100k two weeks before the event starts and then maybe not be able to take part.

Also why did you need that participation fee? Many people were willing to give some price money. When you want to do a PvP Tournament you should more or less handle it like it was with the MOTU (Master of the Universe).
Cool website -> online RSVP -> Ranking -> and no participation fee.
Then you will get some participants.