Well, that depends. Winning the world championship on day one? Yeah, likely have to pay (provided you know the game to begin with). Win against others who started today and have similar rankings? You're on equal ground.
This is kind of funny. Nobody said that you get an instant victory window by purchasing day one DLC that boosts you past everyone else. I remember you doing it, and look at you now… you have played hundreds of hours and you really didn't need to purchase anything. All you got was an edge over everyone else for the low low price of… What was it, 15 dollars?
There's no shame in it. But seeing as you have everything anyways, it really makes my point that the reason people do this is to pay to win.
Let's look at the steam store for tribes:
Buy Tribes: Ascend - Steam Raider Pack
The Steam Raider Pack Includes the Raider Class, 13 weapons, and 2 skins.
PROMOTIONAL PRICE! Offer ends August 6th
-50%
$14.99$7.49
Add to Cart
Buy Tribes: Ascend - Steam Starter Pack
Perfect for new players, the Steam Starter Pack includes: A lifetime 50% XP Boost, 4 Bonus Weapons for base classes, 2 class unlocks, 4 Perks, and 800 Tribes Gold.
$19.99
That's right, you can get a lifetime experience boost, bonus weapons, free class unlocks, and perks that will allow you to jump in and out of the game with different abilities while some lowly noob is grinding his way through the game. Please tell me how that's not advantage, and please tell me why $20 DLC doesn't really help you win the game.
Disclaimer: doesn't affect me. I don't play rigged games.