Hugo Tristão (VKS)
Ruling
TL;DR
Riot Games has found that Hugo Tristão breached Art. 3.1 of the Riot Games Esports Global Code of Conduct (hereinafter referred to as the “Global Code of Conduct''). Consequently, Hugo Tristão is fined R$ 20,000, and is warned that any further failure to meet the expectations set out in the Global Code of Conduct may result in escalated penalties.
CONTEXT
On March 11, 2024, Riot Games was made aware that Hugo Tristão made a post on his “X” account which showed a screenshot of a betting interface with winnings from multiple official matches of CBLOL, implicating Hugo Tristão in a potential breach of Art. 3.15 of the Global Code of Conduct, which pertains to gambling. Riot Games initiated disciplinary proceedings against Hugo Tristão and invited him to submit a statement, which was considered when assessing the case.
RELEVANT RULES
Esports professionals must abide by the Global Code of Conduct. In particular, the below articles are relevant to the present case.
Art. 3.1 General Obligations.
Esports Professionals who participate in Riot Games esports competitions must at all times observe the highest standards of personal integrity and sporting conduct. Esports Professionals are required to behave in a respectful manner in all of their interactions with other competitors, coaches, referees, tournament administrators, the media, sponsors, fans and other persons. Esports Professionals are also required to treat the property of Riot Games and others (including gaming equipment, recreation areas, work spaces, and other facilities) in a professional and responsible manner. Esports Professionals must comply with the decisions and instructions of the officials (including referees) of the Riot Games esports competitions.
Art. 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.
Art. 4.8 Intent.
Violations of this Code of Conduct are subject to disciplinary action, whether or not they were committed intentionally or as part of a joke, a stunt, or some form of social media performance.
RULING
After conducting an investigation and providing Hugo Tristão with the right to be heard, Riot Games has found that he breached Article 3.1 of the Global Code of Conduct.
When passing its ruling, Riot Games took into consideration the specific circumstances of this case, the seriousness of the offense committed, as well as all aggravating and mitigating circumstances. The below summarizes Riot’s most relevant findings only.
When assessing this case, Riot Games took into account Hugo Tristão’s statement, which denied engaging in any gambling activities relating to League of Legends or VALORANT, and evidence provided by Hugo Tristão that corroborated his statement. Given the evidence at its disposal, Riot Games did not find that Hugo Tristão had placed any bets on official matches of CBLOL.
However, Riot Games has found that Hugo Tristão’s post, which appeared to show placed bets on official CBLOL matches, even if posted as part of a joke or social media performance, breached Art. 3.1 of the Global Code of Conduct, which obligates esports professionals to observe the highest standards of personal integrity and sporting conduct at all times.
Given the findings, Hugo Tristão is fined R$ 20,000. Further, Hugo Tristão is warned that any further failure to meet the expectations set out in the Global Code of Conduct may result in escalated penalties.