The League community reacts to Riot’s ban of Renegades and Team Impulse from LCS
The recent banning of Renegades, Team Impulse, and Team Dragon Knights (TDK) from the League Championship Series has caused quite a stir in the League community. Riot Games cited violations of competitive bans, misrepresentation of relationships, and compromising of player welfare and safety as the reasons for the bans.
Riot’s ruling was divided into three categories: Team Ownership, Player Welfare, and Independence of Teams and Competitive Integrity. The Player Welfare section has garnered skepticism from the community, with Renegades management and players vehemently denying any issues.
Renegades co-owner, Chris Badawi, took to Reddit to express his disbelief and frustration at the ruling. Other players, such as MonteCristo, Alberto “Crumbzz” Rengifo, and Nickolas “Hakuho” Surgent, have also shown support for Renegades.
The banning process has also received criticism from lawyer Bryce Blum, who believes that Riot acts as judge, jury, and executioner without any third-party input or transparency.
Interestingly, veteran esports reporter Richard Lewis commended Riot’s ban, despite their historically hostile relationship. However, he agrees that the system is fundamentally flawed.
The organizations have until May 18 to sell their spots, and the aftermath of Riot’s decision is still unfolding. This will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment in the history of the LCS and League of Legends as a whole.
League Championship Series, Renegades, Team Impulse, Team Dragon Knights, Riot Games ban