Jakub "Syzyf" Ruta

TL;DR

Riot Games completed an investigation into potential breaches of the Riot Games Esports Global Code of Conduct (“Global Code of Conduct”) by Jakub "Syzyf" Ruta ("Syzyf"). Based on the available evidence, Riot Games determined that Syzyf breached Art. 4.15 (Gambling).The breach resulted from Syzyf enabling gambling activity involving a close family member in connection with the League of Legends ERL Rift Legends matches between Onion Team and Barcząca Esports, and Onion Team and Forsaken, held on February 19, 2026, in which Syzyf was directly participating.

Riot Games did not find sufficient evidence to establish that Syzyf intentionally manipulated the outcome of any match. However, Article 4.15 prohibits gambling-related conduct independently from any finding of match manipulation.

As a result, Syzyf is suspended from participating in all Riot-sanctioned competitions for twelve (12) months with immediate effect.

TIMELINE

The below is a summary of Riot Games’ findings. While Riot Games considered all facts and evidence available at its disposal, the summary refers only to what Riot Games considers necessary to explain its reasoning.

On 24 February 2026, Riot Games was informed by one of its integrity partners of suspicious betting activity in connection with two League of Legends’ ERL matches played by Onion Team on 19 February 2026: Onion Team vs. Barcząca Esports and Onion Team vs. Forsaken, during the Rift Legends 2026 Winter Split - Group Stage. Upon being aware of the allegations, Riot Games appointed Sportradar to further look into the matter.

Sportradar reviewed the relevant betting activity, match information, and available evidence, and conducted an interview with Syzyf.

Based on the investigation, Riot Games did not find sufficient evidence to establish that Syzyf intentionally manipulated the outcome of any match. However, additional evidence, available to Riot Games, indicated that Syzyf may have enabled gambling activity involving a close family member in connection with competitions in which he was directly participating.

Consequently, Riot Games initiated disciplinary proceedings against Syzyf on June 29, 2026, and provided him with the opportunity to submit a written statement. Syzyf submitted a written response on July 3, 2026.

RELEVANT RULES

Esports Professionals must abide by the Global Code of Conduct. In particular, the below provision is relevant to the present case:

4.15 Gambling. 

Esports Professionals may not: (a) place, attempt to place, or take any actions that could give rise to suspicions or appearances that they have placed 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, but not limited to, real-world currency, cryptocurrency, or other digital assets) at risk in connection with a bet, wager, or outcome-based prediction. A gambling activity may take place in a casino, other physical retail location, or via the internet. This includes participation in any platform, marketplace, or mechanism that allows users to trade or speculate on esports-related outcomes, regardless of how the activity or platform is described or marketed. Esports Professionals may be held liable for the behavior of their relatives or other affiliates that may have taken part or contributed to a breach of this provision.

RULING

Riot Games considers gambling involving Riot esports competitions a serious violation of the Global Code of Conduct due to the significant threat it poses to competitive integrity, trust, and the long-term viability of the esports ecosystem. Each incident is reviewed individually, taking into account any mitigating and aggravating circumstances. The summary below outlines Riot Games’ most relevant findings only. 

The investigation found sufficient evidence to establish that Syzyf enabled gambling activity involving a close family member in connection with competitions in which he was directly participating. Riot Games reached this conclusion after assessing the available betting information, Syzyf's written statement, and all other evidence gathered during the investigation.

Pursuant to Article 4.15(b) of the Global Code of Conduct, Esports Professionals may not instruct, permit, cause, or enable other individuals to engage in gambling activity involving Riot Games competitions. The Global Code of Conduct further provides that Esports Professionals may be held liable for the conduct of their relatives or other affiliates where they have taken part in or contributed to such a breach.

Riot Games also assessed whether the available evidence established that Syzyf intentionally manipulated the outcome of any match. The investigation did not establish sufficient evidence to support such a finding. Accordingly, no finding of match-fixing or competition manipulation has been made in this case.

Consequently, Syzyf’s conduct constitutes a violation of Article 4.15 (Gambling) of the Global Code of Conduct. In determining the appropriate sanction, Riot Games evaluated all relevant aggravating and mitigating factors. The summary below outlines Riot Games' most relevant findings only.

As mitigating factors, Riot Games considered Syzyf's cooperation throughout the investigation, his acknowledgment during the disciplinary proceedings that he had discussed the relevant matches with a close family member prior to the bets being placed, and the remorse he expressed regarding the circumstances that occurred.

Riot Games also considered the nature of the breach. The gambling activity related to competitions in which Syzyf was directly participating and involved bets placed against his own team.

As aggravating factors, Riot Games considered multiple newly created accounts placed coordinated wagers at the maximum permitted stakes, that Syzyf was aware the Global Code of Conduct extends the gambling prohibition to relatives and affiliates, and that his conduct created a significant risk to the integrity of the competition.

While Riot Games took the mitigating factors into account, it concluded that they carried limited weight in light of the seriousness of the breach and the aggravating circumstances present.

In view of the above, Syzyf is suspended from participating in any Riot-sanctioned competition for twelve (12) months with immediate effect.

Riot Games remains committed to upholding the integrity of esports by addressing violations of the Global Code of Conduct with appropriate sanctions to deter similar actions in the future.

Upon issuance of this ruling, the matter is considered closed; the ruling is final and cannot be appealed. However, if new, substantive evidence comes to light, it may warrant a review of the matter at the discretion of Riot Games.