Yu Kit “BoxeR2” Cheng, Chun Hei “danny1018” Fong, et al.

TL;DR

Based on the available evidence, Riot Games has identified six (6) Esports Professionals from the Frank Esports Academy (“FAK Academy”) involved in conduct that Riot Games has determined constitutes breaches of the Riot Games Esports Global Code of Conduct (“Global Code of Conduct”), including  conduct related to match-fixing and/or obstructing and misleading investigators during a match-fixing investigation. These breaches are in relation to the KT Challengers vs. FAK Academy and MAX vs. FAK Academy matches played during the 2024 Asia Star Challenger Invitational (“ASCI”).

As a result, the following individuals have been permanently suspended from all Riot-affiliated competitions, effective immediately from May 22, 2025.

• Yu Kit “BoxeR2” Cheng (Head Coach) breached Articles 5.2, 5.10, and 5.11 of the Global Code of Conduct, in relation to a match-fixing scheme.

• Chun Hei “danny1018” Fong (Player) breached Articles 4.14 and 5.2 of the Global Code of Conduct. 

• Chi Ho “Gaeul” Wong (Player) breached Articles 4.14 and 5.2 of the Global Code of Conduct. 

• Chun Kit “Milkcat” Fok (Player) breached Articles 4.14 and 5.2 of the Global Code of Conduct. 

• Wai Hei “Simple” Fu (Player) breached Articles 4.14 and 5.2 of the Global Code of Conduct. 

• Chun Fung “Shivers” Chan (Player) breached Articles 4.14 and 5.2 of the Global Code of Conduct. 

TIMELINE

On January 24, 2025, Riot Games received evidence indicating danny1018’s involvement in match-fixing during the 2024 ASCI. The evidence included screenshots of WeChat conversations that were attributed to danny1018.  Riot Games assessed the credibility of the conversations in conjunction with other corroborating evidence. In the messages, danny1018 appeared to discuss plans to deliberately manipulate match outcomes by targeting an unusually high number of kills or deaths (30+). The conversation also included a payment address and a QR code linked to danny1018, indicating that monetary compensation may have been arranged in connection with the match-fixing activity. 

These matches were identified as:

During its initial assessment, Riot Games identified a likelihood that multiple team members may have been involved in match-fixing. This finding was reached after analyzing the WeChat conversations, which included references to "we" and "5 people," suggesting that danny1018 was not acting alone. The inference was further reinforced by the nature of the suspected manipulation – achieving a high number of total deaths – an outcome unlikely to be accomplished by a single player without coordination.

Upon receiving the evidence, Riot Games immediately appointed Sportradar to further look into the matter. 

Riot Games also conducted a competitive performance evaluation of the players involved in the two matches of interest. The evaluation considered objective gameplay data, kill/death/assist (“K/D/A”) statistics, and other contextual factors.

Based on the information at hand and in accordance with the Global Code of Conduct, Riot Games provisionally suspended 6 players – danny1018, Gaeul, Coining, Milkcat, Simple and Shivers on February 5, 2025. The decision was made on account of the suspicions surrounding their conduct and the outcome of the competitive performance evaluation, which were deemed serious enough to warrant provisional action. Although Coining did not exhibit suspicious in-game performance, a provisional suspension was applied due to his participation in a match under review and the possibility of broader team involvement.

Following the suspensions, Sportradar Integrity Services interviewed persons of interest associated with the matches and collected additional witness testimony and supporting materials. Although Coining was initially invited to participate in an interview, a further review of the available information led Riot Games to conclude that continued investigation was not warranted. As a result, Coining was excluded from the remainder of the investigation.

On April 23, 2025, Riot Games initiated disciplinary proceedings against the six (6) individuals, danny1018, Gaeul, Milkcat, Simple, Shivers and BoxeR2 on and provided each individual with an opportunity to submit a statement. 

Between April 28, 2025 and April 30, 2025,  all six (6) individuals submitted written responses.

RELEVANT RULES 

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

• 4.14 Match-Fixing or Manipulation

Esports Professionals may not match-fix or otherwise manipulate the outcome of any match or competition or request, encourage, or instruct others to manipulate it. 

Manipulation is defined as the unlawful or undue influence or alteration (including failing to give best efforts), directly or indirectly, by an act or an omission, of the course, result, or any other aspect of a match (i.e. spot-fixing) or a competition, irrespective of whether the behavior is committed for financial gain, sporting advantage, or any other purpose. [...]

Failure to cooperate with Riot in an investigation related to match-fixing or manipulation may be sanctioned similarly to the actual act of match-fixing or manipulation. [...]

• 5.2 Abiding to Decisions and Duty to Cooperate 

Esports Professionals are required to cooperate with Riot or Riot designated representatives in any internal or external investigation that is conducted relating to a suspected violation of this Code of Conduct. [...]

Esports Professionals have a duty to tell the truth in connection with any such investigation, and a duty not to obstruct any such investigation, mislead investigators, or withhold evidence. [...]

Esports Professionals who fail to cooperate with an investigation, fail to produce requested documents or other evidence that is known to exist, or fail to comply with any instructions, directions, decisions, or rulings, including any disciplinary measures, may, in addition to other remedies, be subject to sanctions for a violation of this Section 5.2

• 5.10 Attempting, Assisting or Failing to Prevent Violations

Attempts to engage in behavior that would violate this Code of Conduct are subject to sanction. 

Advocating, encouraging, colluding, or assisting any conduct that is prohibited by this Code of Conduct is a violation of this Code of Conduct. [...] 

• 5.11 Attempting, Assisting or Failing to Prevent Violations 

[...] Team owners, coaches, managers, and any individuals in positions of authority within the Riot Esports Ecosystem may be held to a higher standard of conduct, given their influence in fostering and maintaining a positive esports ecosystem. 

RULING

Riot Games takes match-fixing allegations very seriously, as these actions undermine the integrity of competition, erode players’ experience, and threaten the long-term sustainability and fairness of esports. As one of the most serious breaches of the Global Code of Conduct, match-fixing can result in severe penalties imposed by Riot Games.

Riot Games considered the specific circumstances of the case, the severity of the offenses committed, and all aggravating and mitigating factors. This included an assessment of Sportradar’s reports and findings, as well as evidence and information gathered by Riot Games. The summary below outlines Riot Games’ most relevant findings only.

In this case, the objective of the manipulation was not to secure a win, but to manipulate specific in-game outcomes, particularly by increasing the number of deaths/kills, more easily controllable by participants within the game.

Based on the competitive performance evaluation, Riot Games identified Match 1 Game 1, and Match 2 Game 1 and 2, as matches of concern. These games exhibited patterns inconsistent with typical competitive standards, including a lack of strategic coordination and an excessive number of deaths. While individual poor performances can occur for a variety of reasons, these behaviors raised significant concerns when assessed in combination with other investigative findings, including communications, interview responses, and additional corroborating evidence. Taken together, the evidence suggested coordinated efforts to manipulate the outcome of the matches.

As a result, five (5) players – danny1018, Gaeul, Shivers, Milkcat, and Simple – were identified as exhibiting patterns indicative of potential intentional underperformance. While Coining did participate in one of the games under review, no such concerns were observed in his performance. Coining demonstrated sound in-game decision-making and exhibited a K/D/A that reinforced this level of play, standing in contrast to the patterns observed among his teammates.

The investigation uncovered credible evidence that five (5) players – danny1018, Gaeul, Milkcat, Simple, and Shivers – had breached the Global Code of Conduct on the basis of their participation in match-fixing activities. The investigation also found that BoxeR2, the head coach, breached the Global Code of Conduct by failing to prevent the match-fixing activities and by actively participating in efforts to conceal it.

In addition to their respective misconduct, all six (6) individuals – danny1018, Gaeul, Milkcat, Simple, Shivers, and BoxeR2 – colluded in an attempt to mislead investigators by coordinating a pre-determined narrative, with the intent of presenting danny1018 as the sole person responsible for the match-fixing. They also discussed destroying potentially incriminating evidence.

Riot Games considers failure to cooperate in match-fixing investigations a serious breach of our regulations, warranting sanctions as severe as those for match-fixing itself. Non-cooperation obstructs the investigation process, allowing those involved to evade accountability and perpetuate misconduct. By enforcing strict penalties for non-cooperation, we aim to deter individuals from opting for lesser sanctions through non-collaboration, and ensure wrongdoers are held responsible.

BoxeR2, Head Coach, breach of Art. 5.2, 5.10, and 5.11 of the Global Code of Conduct 

Riot Games found that BoxeR2 breached Art. 5.2, 5.10, and 5.11 of the Global Code of Conduct.

The investigation revealed that while BoxeR2 did not directly participate in in-game manipulation, he had knowledge of match-fixing activity conducted by members of the FAK Academy team and failed to take any action to prevent such conduct. Specifically, BoxeR2 colluded with other team members to construct a false version of events in an attempt to mislead the investigation.

BoxeR2’s leadership role as the head coach, his failure to prevent known misconduct, and his part in coordinating with other FAK Academy team members to mislead the investigation, were considered aggravating factors.

In a statement submitted to Riot Games, BoxeR2 denied the above findings but did not provide sufficient evidence to refute them.

In view of the above, BoxeR2 has been sanctioned with a permanent suspension from all Riot-sanctioned competitions, effective immediately from May 22, 2025.

Danny1018, Gaeul, Milkcat, Simple, Shivers, breach of Art 4.14 and 5.2 of the Global Code of Conduct

Riot Games concluded, based on the available evidence, that danny1018, Gaeul, Milkcat, Simple, and Shivers breached Art. 4.14 and 5.2 of the Global Code of Conduct.

The investigation revealed that each individual was involved in the match-fixing activity and collectively colluded with each other to create a false version of events in an attempt to mislead the investigation. Based on the available evidence, Riot Games concluded that danny1018 acted as the primary organizer of the match-fixing scheme.

In their statements submitted to Riot Games, Gaeul, Milkcat, Simple, and Shivers denied the above findings, but did not provide sufficient evidence to refute them. danny1018 acknowledged his involvement, apologized for his actions, and expressed regret for his poor judgment and the impact of his behavior.

Riot Games found no material differences in the conduct of these individuals that would justify different sanctions. Their individual failures to cooperate, combined with their joint participation in efforts to obstruct the investigation, were considered aggravating factors.

In view of the above, danny1018, Gaeul, Milkcat, Simple, and Shivers have been sanctioned with a permanent suspension from all Riot-sanctioned competitions, effective immediately from May 22, 2025.

Coining, Player 

Coining was initially invited to participate in an individual interview. However, following further review of collected evidence and Riot Games’ competitive performance evaluation, it was determined that his involvement did not warrant continued investigation, and was therefore excluded from the remainder of the investigation, and no disciplinary proceedings were opened against him.

In view of the above, Coining’s provisional suspension has been lifted, effective immediately from May 22, 2025.

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.