COMPETITIVE RULING: LCO

TL;DR:

Zheng-Hang “Chenxuan” Wu (“Chenxuan”, Player for Dire Wolves), breached Article (Art.) 3.14 of the Riot Games Esports Global Code of Conduct (hereinafter referred to as the “Global Code of Conduct''), for match-fixing. Consequently, Chenxuan is banned from participating in any Riot-sanctioned competitions, for thirty-six (36) months, with immediate effect. Chenxuan’s competitive ban will be applied retroactively, taking into account the time already served during his provisional suspension, and will expire on February 9, 2027.

Jia Hao “River”  Xue (“River”, Player for Dire Wolves) breached Art. 4.2 of the Code of Conduct for failing to cooperate in the match-fixing investigation. Consequently, River is banned from participating in any Riot-sanctioned competitions, for thirty-six (36) months, with immediate effect. River’s competitive ban will be applied retroactively, taking into account the time already served during his provisional suspension, and will expire on May 17, 2027.

Dire Wolves General Manager, Craig Nimmo, and Team Owner, Jason Spiller, are warned for violations of sections 3.2 and 4.1 of the 2024 League of Legends Circuit Oceania 2024 Season Split 1 Official Rules (“LCO 2024 Split 1 Official Rules”). Their lack of oversight of the team’s day-to-day operations ultimately resulted in multiple roster violations and unknowingly fostered a unique opportunity for an individual (hereinafter referred to as “Individual A” for ease of reference) outside Riot’s esports ecosystem to match-fix without repercussions.

Individual A will be reported to the relevant authorities due to his involvement in this case.

TIMELINE

On January 25, 2024, Riot Games received evidence implicating members of the team Dire Wolves of being involved in match-fixing in the January 22, 2024 match between ION Global Esports and Dire Wolves (the “Match”).  Upon receiving the evidence, Riot immediately appointed their integrity partner Sportradar to further look into the matter. In particular, Sportradar’s Intelligence and Investigation unit, “Integrity Services”, interviewed persons of interest associated with the Match and gathered additional witness testimonies and evidence.

Based on the information at hand and in accordance with the Global Code of Conduct, Riot Games provisionally suspended and initiated disciplinary proceedings against Chenxuan on February 9, 2024, and provided him with an opportunity to submit a statement.

After he failed to schedule an interview with Integrity Services, Riot Games provisionally suspended and initiated disciplinary proceedings against River on May 17, 2024, providing him with an opportunity to submit a statement.

Upon receiving credible evidence indicating a match may be compromised, Riot may implement an interim measure on individuals to protect competitive integrity, while still following necessary protocols, including giving the opportunity for the involved individuals to submit statements.

On May 17, 2024, Riot Games opened disciplinary proceedings against Craig Nimmo and Jason Spiller for lacking oversight of the team’s day-to-day operations, and provided them with an opportunity to submit a statement.

RELEVANT RULES

All players involved in Riot-sanctioned leagues must abide by the Global Code of Conduct. In particular, the below provisions are relevant to the present case:

Article 3.14, Match-fixing or Manipulation, of the Riot Games Global Code of Conduct (2024)

“Esports Professionals may not match-fix or otherwise manipulate the outcome of any match or competition or request, encourage, or instruct others to manipulate it.  “Manipulation” is defined as the unlawful or undue influencing or alteration (including failing to give best efforts), directly or indirectly, by an act or an omission, of the course, result, or any other aspect of a match (i.e., spot-fixing) or a competition, irrespective of whether the behavior is committed for financial gain, sporting advantage, or any other purpose. Teams may be sanctioned for the actions of their team owners, players, coaches, and any other employees or members of their organization.  Any attempt to manipulate any competition, even if done unsuccessfully, will be deemed a violation of this rule.”

4.2 Duty to Cooperate.

“Esports Professionals are required to cooperate with Riot, or Riot designated representatives in any internal or external investigation that is conducted relating to a suspected violation of this Code of Conduct, as well as comply with any instructions, directions, decisions, or rulings, including any disciplinary measures.  Esports Professionals have a duty to tell the truth in connection with any such investigation and a duty not to obstruct any such investigation, mislead investigators, or withhold evidence. Riot may draw an adverse inference in an investigation due to a failure to cooperate by an Esports Professional. Esports Professionals who fail to cooperate with an investigation, fail to produce requested documents or other evidence that is known to exist, or fail to comply with any instructions, directions, decisions, or rulings, including any disciplinary measures, may, in addition to other remedies, be subject to sanctions for a violation.”

In addition to the Global Code of Conduct, teams must abide by the rules set forth in the League of Legends Circuit Oceania 2024 Season Split 1 Official Rules. In particular, the below provisions are relevant to the present case:

3.2. LCO Coaches

“Teams are required to maintain, at all times during the LCO Competitive Season, a minimum of one and a maximum of three designated coaches (“LCO Coaches”) who will be considered official coaches for the Team. All LCO Coaches will be listed on Lolesports.com and will be listed in the Global Contract Database (“GCD”). LCO Coaches cannot be on the Active Roster, on the Reserve Roster, and/or the GM (Section 3.3). At least one LCO Coach will be required to be available for every Game in which the LCO Team participates. At least one LCO Coach will be required to be present for the pick/ban phase of each LCO Game, up to a maximum of two LCO Coaches present. If at least one LCO Coach is not present for the pick/ban phase of each LCO Game, then the Team is subject to penalties.”

4.1 Weekly Roster Designation

“Each week in which a Team is scheduled to play LCO Games, the Team’s eligible Active Roster for that set of Games will be set as of Sunday 2:00 PM AEDT/AEST, seven (7) days prior to that week of play (the “Weekly Roster Designation”). As part of its Weekly Roster Designation, each Team must also declare a minimum of one (1) LCO Coach and a maximum of two (2) LCO Coaches that will be present for the pick/ban phase of each LCO game for that week.”

RULING

Riot Games takes match-fixing allegations very seriously, as these actions undermine the integrity of competition, erode trust, damage reputations, and can lead to severe legal consequences. Match-fixing deteriorates the players’ experience, betrays fans' trust and threatens the long-term sustainability and fairness of esports, making it one of the most serious breaches of the Code that Riot Games considers when making decisions.

Riot Games considered the specific circumstances of the case, the severity of the offenses committed, and all aggravating and mitigating factors. The summary below outlines Riot’s most relevant findings only.

Chenxuan,  Player, breached Art. 3.14 of the Global Code of Conduct

After conducting an investigation and providing Chenxuan with an opportunity to submit a statement, Riot Games found that Chenxuan breached Art. 3.14 of the Global Code of Conduct. Riot Games concludes that he was involved in match-fixing, with the aim of manipulating elements of the Match (such as First Blood) for betting purposes.

When evaluating this case, Riot Games noted highly suspicious live betting activities aligned with Chenxuan's unusual match performance, particularly an inexplicable surge in betting during breaks and early gameplay, favoring Ion Global Esports. Additionally, witness testimonies indicated that Chenxuan deliberately underperformed, frequently missing skill shots and making questionable strategic decisions, including a disadvantageous fight against two opposing players leading to his death for the first blood of the second map.

In view of the above, Riot Games has decided to sanction Chenxuan for a thirty-six (36) month ban from all official Riot-sanctioned competitions. The sanction will be applied retroactively, taking into account the time he has already served during the provisional suspension, and will be effective until February 9, 2027.

River,  Player, breached Art. 4.2 of the Global Code of Conduct

Riot Games found that River breached Art. 4.2 of the Global Code of Conduct by failing to collaborate in the match-fixing investigation. Despite numerous contact attempts by Integrity Services, River exhibited minimal effort to schedule interview meetings, causing delays in the investigation process. Integrity Services issued an initial invitation to River for an interview on February 19, 2024, followed by continuous reminders until March 26, 2024. While River intermittently responded to some of these communications, he ultimately did not secure an interview. Moreover, upon opening disciplinary proceedings, Riot Games provided River the opportunity to submit a statement regarding the allegations. Despite two attempts by Riot to obtain his statement, River failed to respond. 

Riot Games considers failure to cooperate in match-fixing investigations a serious breach of our regulations, warranting sanctions as severe as those for match-fixing itself. Non-cooperation obstructs the investigation process, allowing those involved to evade accountability and perpetuate misconduct. By enforcing strict penalties for non-cooperation, we aim to deter individuals from opting for lesser sanctions through non-collaboration, and ensure wrongdoers are held responsible.

In view of the above, Riot Games has decided to sanction River for a thirty-six (36) month ban from all official Riot-sanctioned competitions. The sanction will be applied retroactively, taking into account the time he has already served during the provisional suspension, and will be effective until May 17, 2027.

Craig Nimmo, General Manager and Jason Spiller, Team Owner,  breached Sections 3.2 and 4.1 of the LCO 2024 Split 1 Official Rules.

The investigation revealed there was no coach or team management actively overseeing the team's day-to-day operations, resulting in two roster violations of the League of Legends Circuit Oceania 2024 Season Split 1 Official Rules. Mr. Nimmo stated they had a registered coach but were unaware of his unavailability and thus could not take necessary actions. He also noted that management does not actively participate in the team’s daily operations, including match days.

Evidence indicated that Brian Yu, the rostered coach, informed Mr. Nimmo that he was unavailable until mid-February due to being out of the country and lacking access to Discord. Most witnesses stated Mr. Yu never actively participated with the team or contacted the players. Witnesses also noted that Individual A, although not officially registered, assumed the coach's role and engaged in match-fixing activities. LCO rules require a registered coach for the pick/ban phase of each match and weekly roster updates.

Regardless of whether or not team management was aware of Mr. Yu’s unavailability, they are responsible for overseeing daily operations and ensuring the registered coach is present and fulfilling their duties. Consequently, Craig Nimmo and Jason Spiller are issued a warning for breaching Sections 3.2 and 4.1 of the LCO 2024 Split 1 Official Rules.

Individual A

Riot Games identified Individual A as being involved in match-fixing. Though Individual A did not have an official contract with Dire Wolves, evidence revealed that they were performing duties associated with being a team member, potentially that of a coach or manager. Multiple witness testimonies indicated Individual A’s responsibilities included recruiting players for Dire Wolves, arranging practice matches, and coaching.

Additionally, based on collected testimony, Individual A posed as Dire Wolves' registered coach Brian Yu by using a Discord profile under Mr. Yu’s in-game username, “Guapi”. On match days, Individual A used the Guapi Discord profile to coach the team under the pretense of being Mr. Yu. This allowed him to place bets using his real name without arousing suspicion. Witness testimony reflected that Mr. Yu was unaware Individual A was operating a Discord profile using his in-game name.

Riot Games also received credible evidence of Individual A contacting other esports professionals in the Riot Games Esports ecosystem to match-fix.

Individual A will be reported to the relevant authorities due to his involvement in this case.

All parties involved in this ruling are reminded that any further failure to meet the expectations set out in the Global Code of Conduct or LCO Official Rules may result in escalated penalties, including, but not limited to, a permanent ban from participating in all Riot-sanctioned competition in any capacity.