Beyond Gaming’s Maoan banned from Worlds 2021 by Riot Games

Beyond Gaming’s midlane specialist Chien “Maoan” Mao-An faces immediate suspension from the 2021 World Championship, with potential long-term career implications extending well beyond the current tournament. The abrupt removal comes during the critical play-in stage, creating significant strategic challenges for the Taiwanese organization.

Initial accusations emerged following Day 4 of the Play-Ins, alleging Maoan disclosed confidential draft preparations to assist third-party betting activities. According to social media reports from caster Jenny “Reirachu” Lee, Beyond Gaming owner Xue “DinTer” Hong-Wei confirmed the player’s dismissal pending comprehensive investigation into the serious allegations.

This situation represents one of the most significant disciplinary actions during Worlds 2021, highlighting the ongoing challenges esports faces regarding competitive integrity. Teams must maintain strict confidentiality around draft strategies, as leaking this information fundamentally undermines competitive fairness.

Reirachu disclosed compelling evidence through screenshot documentation of chat conversations where Maoan actively participated in betting-related discussions. The digital evidence provides clear documentation of rules violations that tournament organizers cannot overlook.

“Investigators are examining whether additional team members beyond Maoan participated in leaking pick/ban intelligence. DinTer’s assessment suggests the original informant may have acted from frustration after Maoan identified Sylas and Orianna as potential selections that ultimately weren’t chosen, potentially causing financial losses for bettors,” Reirachu elaborated in her social media analysis.

Esports organizations face increasing challenges monitoring player communications, particularly through private messaging platforms where screenshots can easily capture incriminating evidence. This incident demonstrates why teams must implement comprehensive education programs about gambling policies and their severe consequences.

Riot Games delivered their competitive judgment shortly after the allegations became public, prohibiting Maoan from participating in any remaining Worlds 2021 matches. Through their official Twitter communications, Riot clarified that Maoan breached Rule 9.3, which explicitly forbids any gambling activities connected to tournament outcomes.

Rule 9.3 within the World Championship regulations states unequivocally: “No competitor or tournament official may participate, whether directly or through intermediaries, in wagering or gambling operations concerning any World Championship esports match, game result, or tournament outcome.”

The ruling emphasizes Riot’s zero-tolerance approach toward gambling infractions, which they view as fundamentally threatening competitive legitimacy. Players should understand that even discussing draft strategies with potential bettors constitutes indirect participation in gambling activities.

The disciplinary action forces Beyond Gaming to field an alternate player for their crucial best-of-five confrontation against Hanwha Life Esports. Hanwha Life already entered as substantial favorites before the suspension, and Maoan’s absence further strengthens their competitive advantage.

Maoan will remain suspended throughout the remainder of the 2021 World Championship. Tournament officials may impose further sanctions once they complete their comprehensive investigation. DinTer published a formal apology via Facebook, requesting Maoan’s reinstatement for Saturday, October 9 competition, though Riot’s definitive ruling makes this highly improbable.

The controversy developed following Beyond Gaming’s hard-fought 3-2 play-in triumph against Galatasaray Esports. While the accusations focus on gambling activities, investigators have not charged Maoan with match manipulation or result fixing conspiracies.

Teams facing similar situations should immediately consult their Complete Guide for crisis management protocols. Understanding proper Class Guide principles for role specialization becomes critical when forced to use substitute players.

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