Three Hearthstone players who previously dropped out of the competition are now officially banned from competitive play for six months. The move is in response to the players holding up a “Free Hong Kong, Boycott Blizz” sign after pro player Chung Ng Wai was banned and got his prize money revoked for voicing out his support for Hong Kong.
‘Free Hong Kong, Boycot Blizz’
The controversy with Blizzard all began when player Chung Ng Wai, also known as “Blitzchung,” spoke out in support of Hong Kong during a live broadcast. As a result, Blizzard immediately banned Blitzchung from competitive play for a year and also revoked his prize money.
The move received backlash from many including Blizzard’s own employees, many of whom even walked out of their California offices in protest.
Collegiate players Casey Chambers, Corwin Dark, and “TJammer” from American University also supported Blitzchung by holding up a “Free Hong Kong, Boycott Blizz” sign during a live broadcast on Blizzard’s official Twitch channel, expecting to get a similar punishment. However, they were not sanctioned as quickly as Blitzchung was, so the three decided to voluntarily drop out of the competition, saying Blizzard’s decision to punish Blitzchung but not them was “hypocritical.”
Banned From Competitive Play
Amid all the backlash, Blizzard eventually reduced Blitzchung’s ban from a year to six months, returned his prize money, and finally released a statement explaining the sanctions it placed on Blitzchung and the casters during the broadcast.
“Every Voice Matters, and we strongly encourage everyone in our community to share their viewpoints in the many places available to express themselves,” Blizzard explained. “However, the official broadcast needs to be about the tournament and to be a place where all are welcome. In support of that, we want to keep the official channels focused on the game.”
As for Chambers, Dark, and TJammer, Blizzard finally banned them from competitive play for six months, just like Blitzchung. In a tweet, Chambers shared Blizzard’s email where they were said to be in violation of a rule regarding sportsmanship and professionalism. In response to the ban, Chambers says that while the move to ban them came late, he does appreciate that all players are being “treated equally."
Happy to announce the AU Hearthstone team received a six month ban from competition. While delayed I appreciate all players being treated equally and no one being above the rules. pic.twitter.com/mZStoF0e0t — Casey Chambers (@Xcelsior_hs) October 16, 2019
