Why is Overwatch pro Proper banned?

Olivia Richman Published 01/02/2024

Top Overwatch 2 pro Dong-Hyum “Proper” Kim has been banned from the game. Fans are now wondering what happened.

Before the Overwatch League ended, Proper was competing with the San Francisco Shock. He is the only player in the history of the OWL to be named Regular Season MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Role Star in a single season. Now, Proper is considered one of the best pro Overwatch players in the world.

This made it all the more shocking when Proper was suddenly banned from the game without explanation.

Proper banned from OW2, questions Blizzard

On January 31, Proper shared a screenshot of a message he received from Blizzard explaining that he was banned from Overwatch 2.

“I got [banned],” he tweeted. “I want [to] just play [the] game…”

In response, fans joked that it was Blizzard’s only way of stopping or nerfing Proper. Others said in seriousness that the esports scene — even under ESL FACEIT’s leadership — was “cooked” if Proper was not part of it. Some even started a new hashtag: #FreeProper.

Blizzard has not publicly shared why Proper has been banned from Overwatch 2. The usual reasons are toxicity and hacking, but there’s no proof so far that Proper has done anything toxic or illegal in-game. The screenshot, however, explains that Proper’s behavior was against Overwatch’s in-game code of conduct. Griefing? Hacking? Toxicity? It’s unclear.

Even more upsetting, the message stated that his account ban would not be overturned. This had many gamers in fear that proper was not going to be able to compete anymore. Only time will tell if Blizzard will overturn this decision before the OWCS Asia Open Qualifiers.

Olivia Richman

About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

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