BYG Maoan suspended from Worlds 2021 for insider betting

Worlds 2021 Play-Ins have left us with a lot to talk about, from Oceania's growth as the best wildcard, to Japan's advance to the group stage for the first time.

Now, facing the next stage of the World Championship and with the last tickets to this at stake, a new controversy has just exploded in Iceland after the sudden suspension of Chien "Maoan" Mao-An, mid laner of Beyond Gaming.

According to initial reports by Jenny “Reirachu” Lee, host of the Pacific Championship Series (PCS), Maoan leaked confidential information about picks and bans prior to his games through conversations with close friends, with the aim of betting for their own benefit.

This came to light through a series of screenshots revealed by some users on social media, where the player can be found interacting with someone outside the team, showing warnings about the high risk of choosing certain picks such as Orianna or Sylas for their bets.

As consequence, Riot Games has released a statement where they announce the decision to suspend the Taiwanese player for the remainder of the 2021 World Championship, in addition to proceeding with a full investigation against him, which may end with a lifetime ban for Maoan.

Competitive Ruling: Chien "Maoan" Mao-An pic.twitter.com/x4c8Lhw5n7

— LoL Esports (@lolesports) October 8, 2021

Citing the Worlds 2021 Ruleset in its section 9.3, "No Team Member or WCE official may take part, either directly or indirectly, in betting or gambling on any results of any WCE game, match or tournament."

Prior to this statement, BYG's owner Xue "DinTer" Hong-Wei released his position on the matter through his personal Facebook page, condemning the player's actions as well as clarifying he will not protect any of those involved, as part of Riot's investigation.

DinTer also publicly apologized for the disappointing behaviour of his player, asking for fans' support in the face of Beyond's clash with Hanwha Life Esports this morning.

So far, Beyond Gaming has not announced who will fill Maoan's spot for their best-of-five series, although a restructuring of the core team is expected as none of their reserve players specializes in the mid lane.

• Read more: Worlds 2021 RED Grevthar: “I’m really looking forward to prove wildcards can be the best”

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Featured image courtesy of Riot Games and Getty Images.