Pro Hearthstone player, Chung “Blitzchung” Ng Wai, has been suspended by Blizzard after he voiced support for the ongoing protests in Hong Kong.
In a post-game interview, Blitzchung voiced his support by wearing a gas mask and calling for Hong Kong’s liberation by saying, “Liberate Hong Kong. Revolution of our age!”
[BREAKING] Hong Kong Hearthstone player @blitzchungHS calls for liberation of his country in post-game interview:https://t.co/3AgQAaPioj @Matthieist #Hearthstone pic.twitter.com/DnaMSEaM4g
— ?? Inven Global ?? (@InvenGlobal) October 6, 2019
The stream was cut, but Blitzchung later released this statement,
“As you know there are serious protests in my country now. My call on stream was just another form of participation of the protest that I wish to grab more attention. I put so much effort in that social movement in the past few months, that I sometimes couldn’t focus on preparing my Grandmaster match. I know what my action on stream means. It could cause me lot of trouble, even my personal safety in real life. But I think it’s my duty to say something about the issue.”
Blizzard states that Blitzchung violated competition rules which currently state,
“2019 HEARTHSTONE® GRANDMASTERS OFFICIAL COMPETITION RULES v1.4 p.12, Section 6.1 (o)
Engaging in any act that, in Blizzard’s sole discretion, brings you into public disrepute, offends a portion or group of the public, or otherwise damages Blizzard image will result in removal from Grandmasters and reduction of the player’s prize total to $0 USD, in addition to other remedies which may be provided for under the Handbook and Blizzard’s Website Terms.”
Blitzchung has been removed from Grandmasters and his prize money is being withheld. Blizzard went on to state,
“While we stand by one’s right to express individual thoughts and opinions, players and other participants that elect to participate in our esports competitions must abide by the official competition rules.”
Ta, Kotaku.
