Over 30 Chinese LoL pros suspended in match-fixing crackdown
A months-long investigation into match-fixing in the Chinese League of Legends scene has come to an end, with heads rolling as a result.
Back in February, FunPlus Phoenix stated that Zhou “Bo” Yang-Bo
admitted to match-fixing
in the 2020 LDL Summer Split. Since then, this case has been under investigation and the issue was apparently much more pervasive than just Bo. Alongside Bo, ThunderTalk support player Wang “Teeen” Yao-Ji was issued a four-month suspension from professional League of Legends. ThunderTalk jungler Xiang “bless” Yi-Tong has received a 12-month suspension.
Notably, while Bo’s alleged match-fixing came in 2020 during his time in the LDL, bless competed in the LPL in 2020 as a part of Dominus Esports. It is unclear whether bless is alleged to have participated in match-fixing in LPL games or if this was from his time in the LDL.
In the LDL, punishments were spread around much further. A total of 35 people including players and organizational staff have been handed suspensions as a result of the investigation. This includes the entire roster of Sheng Jie Gaming, with top laner Wang “Spunk” Zhi-Peng receiving a lifetime ban from competitive League of Legends. Eleven others were also given lifetime bans.
Match-fixing in LDL a lingering problem
Match-fixing is a serious issue across all regions and across almost every major esports title. Things seem to be at their worst in the Chinese League of Legends scene, however. Each year, there appears to be at least one major match-fixing scandal involving a number of players in the league.
In 2019 a number of
players were suspended
from Rogue Warriors Sharks, which saw the team forced out of the LDL Spring Playoffs. In 2020, LGD Gaming
saw a player and manager suspended
for violating gambling rules. In 2020, Rogue Warriors found itself in the hot seat once again.
These issues came to a head in March following the investigation into Bo, where the entire LDL season was suspended due to match-fixing concerns.
Match-fixing is a serious issue in any sport, as a lack of faith in the integrity of competition can very quickly see a league fold up. The greatest example of this came in the early 2000s in sumo wrestling, which saw the iconic Japanese sport face serious issues when extensive match-fixing came to light.
Steven Rondina
About Steven Rondina
Steven Rondina is a true lifelong gamer. His earliest memories are of playing video games, and he has continued playing them throughout his life with no plans to stop any time soon. Steven’s favorite franchises in gaming include Pokemon, Dark Souls, and Counter-Strike. He has previously published with Bleacher Report and other gaming outlets.
View full profile
Read Also
League of Legends
LoL: Europe Shines Against Korea in 2026 As NA Struggles To Keep Pace
Ben Boland
In 2026, Europe has had its best results against the East in LoL Esports history. While their losses to North America may overshadow their achievements, EU has a winning record against South Korea this year. Meanwhile, NA has the LEC’s number but has its worst head-to-head against the East since 2023 — here I will break down the key statistics that show this. After years of Europe being a shell ...
League of Legends
Which League of Legends Region Will Win 2026 Worlds?
Hannan Mundia
The League of Legends World Championship is easily the game’s most important annual tournament. The top teams from every major region compete for a chance to win the substantial cash prize and etch their names in League of Legends history. This year will be no different, with the 2026 Worlds coming beginning on October 15. Teams from multiple regions have already qualified for the tournament, though their performances throughout the ...
Esports Betting
Cloud9 vs LYON LCS Summer Playoffs Upper Bracket: Best Bets and Predictions
Ben Boland
It’s a great time to be a League of Legends esports bettor with the LCS Summer playoffs heating up. We have Cloud9 looking to slay their playoff demons against LYON, a side that is looking to win their third straight championship. With LYON picking Cloud9 as their opponent, perhaps they are extremely confident they will get the job done, or are they underestimating the boys in blue? Stay tuned as ...
League of Legends
Team Liquid vs FlyQuest: Predictions & Best Bets for the LCS Summer Playoffs
Ben Boland
With the LCS Summer Playoffs heating up, Team Liquid is looking to make history with a surprise win over FlyQuest this weekend. It would mean TL would be competing at Worlds 2026 on home soil for the first time in the organisation's history. For FlyQuest, this is a chance to progress ahead of schedule with their young squad, getting some valuable reps on the biggest stage esports has to offer. ...
Esports Betting
Gen.G vs HLE: Best betting odds and picks for LCK 2026 grand final
Hannan Mundia
The 2026 LCK grand final will see HLE challenge Gen.G to determine which team walks away with the first-place prize, giving the winning team a much-needed confidence boost before the World Championship. After every top professional Korean League of Legends team has poured sweat and time, this year’s LCK split is finally about to conclude. The grand final match will be between the powerhouse team Gen.G and the challenging Hanwha ...
Esports Betting
Here Are My Predictions For The Hanwha Life Esports vs T1 LCK Lower Final
Ben Boland
LCK fans are in for a treat as Hanwha Life Esports and T1 both battle for a ticket to the grand final, where Gen.G awaits. The last time these two met, they tore the house down. I expect more of the same this time in the lower final. Here are the best bets to make on HLE vs T1 in the LCK 2026 Summer Playoffs Lower Final at GG.BET, one ...
League of Legends
Riot Games eyes Polymarket and Kalshi for esports sponsorships
Michael Hassall
Riot Games, the creator of League of Legends and VALORANT is reportedly exploring the protentional of sponsorship deals with prediction market operators including Polymarket and Kalshi, as per reports emerging late last night (Sep. 10). First reported by Cecilia D’Anastasio of Bloomberg, Riot has started conversations with the two top prediction market operators, Kalshi and Polymarket, with a view to one or both of them becoming sponsors within Riot Games’ ...
