Blizzard bans Hearthstone pro who called for Hong Kong liberation during Grandmasters stream

Blizzard suspended Hearthstone pro Chung “Blitzchung” Ng Wai earlier today for saying “liberate Hong Kong, the revolution of our times” on stream. Blitzchung will be banned from official Hearthstone tournaments for one year and he’ll lose his Grandmasters prize earnings.

During a post-game interview on the official Hearthstone Taiwan livestream two days ago, the player from Hong Kong wore a gas mask and called for support to those involved in the ongoing protests against local police and government that started several months ago.

“Engaging in any act that, in Blizzard’s sole discretion, brings you into public disrepute, offends a portion or group of the public, or otherwise damages Blizzard image will result in removal from Grandmasters and reduction of the player’s prize total to $0 USD, in addition to other remedies which may be provided for under the Handbook and Blizzard’s Website Terms,” Blizzard said in its official statement.

Grandmasters represents the highest league of Hearthstone esports and the game has a strong presence in the Chinese market, which is likely why Blitzchung chose to make this statement on stream. As a result, he’s suspended for the rest of the season and until Oct. 5, 2020, effective immediately.

Both casters who were involved in the post-game interview were also sanctioned. Blizzard will cease working with them because they reportedly told Blitzchung to “say the eight words, then we’ll end the interview immediately” in the post-game interview.