Benjy “Benjyfishy” Fish
Ruling
TL;DR
Benjy “benjyfishy” Fish (‘benjyfishy’) breached the Riot Games Esports Global Code of Conduct (hereinafter referred to as the “Global Code of Conduct'') for Gambling, Art. 3.15. Riot Games considered significant mitigating factors, such as accountability and corrective actions, in determining the sanction: a formal warning for benjyfishy and a fine for Team Heretics.
TIMELINE
The below is a summary of the findings. All facts and evidence available were considered. The below refers only to what is considered necessary to explain the reasoning of the case.
On 4 November 2024, Riot Games was informed by Team Heretics’ management that one of their VALORANT players reported placing a bet on the 2024 League of Legends World Championship Final between T1 and Bilibili Gaming, held on November 2, 2024, and winning €100.
In view of the above, on 6 November 2024 formal disciplinary proceedings were opened against benjyfishy, providing him with an opportunity to submit a written statement.
On 8 November 2024, benjyfishy submitted a written statement.
RELEVANT RULES
Esports Professionals must abide by the Global Code of Conduct. In particular, the below provision is relevant to the present case:
3.15 Gambling. Esports Professionals may not: (a) place, or attempt to place, a bet or wager, directly or indirectly, on any competition, game, play, or component thereof in which such Esports Professionals participate; (b) engage in any legal or illegal gambling activities involving any video game title owned by Riot Games, or instruct, permit, cause, or enable other individuals to do any of the foregoing; or (c) own any interest, either directly or indirectly, in any corporation or other entity that promotes, brokers, arranges or conducts betting, gambling, lotteries, or similar events or transactions on or in connection with esports competitions. “Gambling activity” is defined as placing anything of value (including real-world currency, cryptocurrency, or other digital assets) at risk in connection with a bet or wager. A gambling activity may take place in a casino, other physical retail location, or via the internet.
RULING
After conducting disciplinary proceedings, it was found that benjyfishy breached Article 3.15 of the Global Code of Conduct for betting on the 2024 League of Legends World Championship Final, a video game title owned by Riot Games
When passing its ruling, the specific circumstances of this case, the seriousness of the offense committed, as well as all aggravating and mitigating circumstances were taken into consideration. The below summarizes the most relevant findings only.
When evaluating this case, Riot Games considered several substantial mitigating factors that informed the final decision. The individual demonstrated full cooperation throughout the investigation, including providing comprehensive details about their betting account and actions. This cooperative approach not only assisted in resolving the matter efficiently but also reflected a genuine willingness to take responsibility for their behavior.
Additionally, benjyfishy’s betting activity was confined to League of Legends, an esport in which they do not compete in, and on teams that do not compete within its territory, reducing the risk of direct harm to the competitive integrity of VALORANT.
Benjyfishy also expressed sincere remorse and regret for their actions, which was demonstrated by their proactive decision to self-report the incident to team management upon realizing the implications of their behavior. This accountability was further evidenced by their volunteering to donate a sum to charity.
These factors collectively reflect benjyfishy’s accountability, good faith efforts to correct their behavior, and an understanding of the seriousness of the rules they breached. These mitigating circumstances were given significant weight in determining the appropriate sanction.
In view of the above, benjyfishy is warned and a fine is imposed on Team Heretics.
Furthermore, benjyfishy is reminded that any further failure to meet the expectations set out in the Global Code of Conduct may result in escalated penalties.