Competitive Ruling: C9 Hai

Riot·10/21/2015, 7:41:23 PM·19 votes·95,225 views

FACTS

Cloud9’s Hai made an obscene gesture towards an opponent while on stage during the final day of Group Stages for the 2015 World Championship.

RELEVANT RULES

9.1.3 Disruptive Behavior / Insults.

A Team Member may not take any action or perform any gesture directed at an opposing Team Member, or incite any other individual(s) to do the same, which is insulting, mocking, disruptive, or antagonistic.

RULING

Hai has violated Section 9.1.3 of the World Championship ruleset and is subject to penalties.

COMPETITION PENALTIES

Hai is fined ‎€500.

CONTEXT

Pro players are expected to behave professionally and show good sportsmanship when competing at the World Championship.

224 Comments

Sfz TokenBlackG10/21/2015, 8:13:24 PM34 votes

Riot probably meant to fine CLG guys its all good

Bloodhawk9510/21/2015, 7:50:21 PM32 votes

Shouldn't he be fined in his own country's currency though? And 500 euros for flipping the middle finger? That seems a bit excessive. Currency wise, that's $567 just for flicking off someone. That's just ridiculous

Riveh10/21/2015, 8:11:27 PM30 votes

Contrary to popular belief, policies are policies and the company that made them has to enforce it. It may not seem like much, but it's STILL against the rules. While 500 euros is a bit steep for a one-time offense, i agree, it's not "rito being out of control". It's called doing their job.

Trylobyte10/21/2015, 8:11:53 PM29 votes

Tip: If you're going to flip off a competitor, make sure you don't do it on camera during the most broadcasted event in your game/sport.

Garden Of Edin10/21/2015, 8:13:03 PM20 votes

Look, yeah it's a nuisance that Riot is fining Hai for just playfully flipping off Febiven for giving his opinion which sort of bashed C9. But guess what, they had these rules set in place for years, and plus this is a hugely followed game, so allowing something like that slide by would set a poor example for future cases of things like these. They can't be lenient just because it was a joke, yeah we all know it was in good fun, but still, he broke a rule regardless. item 3070

Issa10/21/2015, 7:55:15 PM20 votes

Febiven is sitting there talking ish about C9 and they are just supposed to let that go? Psh

King Asgore10/21/2015, 8:14:49 PM14 votes

He should be thankful this isnt actual major sports or the fine would be waaayyy worse. If you're gonna take part in eSports then you gotta play by the handbook and rules. Flipping someone off for pointing out weaknesses and flaws isnt attacking or trash talking. Hai just handled it childishly

Only Play Darius10/21/2015, 8:06:10 PM12 votes

Damn he got caught

OwO Daddee10/21/2015, 8:26:00 PM12 votes

I like this, shows that Riot doesn't want this to become something everyone does.

Markantonian10/21/2015, 8:34:36 PM11 votes

If it was Forg1ven for example, RITO will permaban & exile him, plus fine!

Death Vizier10/21/2015, 8:52:59 PM10 votes

Look a lot of you don't seem to understand this. As soon as you are PAYed to do something by a company you are no longer just a gamer. You are in a profession. You work and represent a company. Gaming is fun but it is a job for these guys. How many of you can go to work and flip someone, ANYONE off while you're at work and not have repercussions or even keep your jobs. Anyone? No, didn't think so. Get a job, go flip someone off in full view so you can experience what the real world.

suiseimei10/21/2015, 8:27:07 PM10 votes

You're supposed to know the rules and follow them... Players disrespect off stage all the time and no one gets in trouble, but at least be professional onstage. When the game is over you can go flip each other off all you want. It's totally fair imo.

ÓðinnV210/21/2015, 8:02:53 PM8 votes

How is that any different from spamming team logos or Febiven being disrespectful on stage? Riot fines Riot for excessive and stupid fines.

Mister Struggle10/21/2015, 8:30:27 PM7 votes

So Riot says you can't flip off an opposing team member. FNC wasn't an opposing team.. they aren't even in the same group... why does he get fined?

GotRektGG10/21/2015, 8:06:57 PM6 votes

Can someone fill me in? What exactly did Hai do?