Chinese Esports Organization Permanently Bans International Champions
The winners of the biggest prize pool in esports history will no longer be allowed to compete in their native country of China.
ACE (Association of Chinese Esports) has taken the decision to permanently ban the reigning International champions from attending Chinese esports events due to ongoing contract disputes. Formerly known as Wings Gaming, the highly successful roster from 2016 left the organization on April 19 after facing issues with unpaid salaries and a demand to share a portion of their $9.1 million winnings from the International 6.
Team Random Accused of Breaking Contracts
According to three separate blog posts by members of Team Random, ACE received a letter from Xie Zhouyu, the CEO of Wings Gaming, urging the association to take action against the players. The letter claimed that none of the players had legally terminated their contracts with the organization.
Despite this, players Zhang “faith_bian” Ruida and Zhang “y`” Yiping were open to resolving their contractual obligations with Wings Gaming. They attempted to have their contracts transferred to EHOME after the roster lock following the Kiev Major. Their efforts came after the letter to ACE was sent on May 13.
ACE Bans All Five Players from Chinese Competitions
However, ACE decided to take action and permanently bar all five players from competing in Chinese teams and domestic tournaments, effectively ending their careers in China.
In a blog post, carry player Chu “Shadow” Zeyu claimed that faith_bian and y`’s actions were detrimental to the rest of Team Random. He stated that all players were aware of the potential consequences when they left Wings Gaming, and accused faith_bian and y` of trying to avoid any potential repercussions.
Valve Events Remain Unaffected
While the ban prevents the players from competing in China, it does not affect their participation in Valve events such as the International and the Valve Major.
ACE, the regulatory body for Chinese esports, has faced criticism in the past for their treatment of players. One notable case involved former LGD Gaming carry Liu “Sylar” Jiajun, who allegedly was denied the right to negotiate his contract conditions during the offseason in March 2016.
As a result of the ban, there will not be a defending champion at the upcoming International 7 tournament.
esports, Chinese esports, ACE, Wings Gaming, International champions, contract disputes, Team Random, ban, Valve events