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Lee Shi Tian MTG Mythic Championship V
Screengrab via Twitch.tv/magic
Category:
MTG

WotC won’t censor Lee Shi Tian’s support for Hong Kong protests at Mythic Championship V

Freedom of speech and play.
Image of Danny Forster
Danny Forster
|

Published: Oct 20, 2019 07:11 am

This article is over 5 years old and may contain outdated information

In an emotional win over Carlos Romao at Magic: The Gathering’s Mythic Championship V, Lee Shi Tian voiced his support of the protests taking place in Hong Kong and wasn’t censored by Wizards of the Coast. 

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Tian began his amazing run at Mythic Championship V yesterday by supporting the protests in Hong Kong as he donned a red mask over his face and covered one eye upon entering the main stage. 

Tian’s entrance backed the democratic protestors who often wear masks in an effort to protect their identity from Chinese surveillance in Hong Kong. It was also a show of support for a volunteer nurse who was recently shot in the eye with a beanbag round during protests in Kowloon. 

Censorship for those supporting the protests recently became an esports issue when Blizzard Entertainment banned Hearthstone player Ng Wai “Blitzchung” Chung after he called for a Hong Kong liberation during a post-match interview. 

The censorship from Blizzard even extended to fans participating in the company’s livestreams. The company posted a statement on Oct. 12 saying, “we want to keep the official channels focused on the game.” Those who violated the request from Blizzard by typing in any form of support for Hong Kong via the Twitch chat at Hearthstone’s Masters Tour this past weekend had their accounts immediately suspended for 24-hours. 

But Wizards of the Coast wasn’t about to follow the same path Blizzard has taken and instead allowed Tian and the Twitch chat at Magic’s Mythic Championship V to express themselves. Moderators of the Twitch chat for the tournament were even told by WotC to “allow and not touch” any statements supporting Hong Kong. 

The support given to Tian by WotC may have played a role in his success yesterday as the Magic Pro League player had an amazing run at MCV with his Mono-Red Cavalcade deck, securing a seat in the finals taking place today. In an emotional post-game interview with Becca Scott, Tian expressed his gratitude.

“Life has been very tough in my hometown of Hong Kong,” Tian said. “It feels so good to play [Magic: The Gathering] as a free man.”

Lee Shi Tian will continue to play MTG as a free man today at Mythic Championship V,  where he’ll play for the $100,000 grand prize.

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Author
Image of Danny Forster
Danny Forster
Danny has been writing for Dot Esports for over five years, first as a freelancer and now as a staff writer. He is the lead beat writer for Magic: The Gathering and Teamfight Tactics. Danny is also a solid Monopoly GO player, having beaten every main event without spending a dime. When Danny isn't writing or gaming, he's chilling by the water in Spacecoast Florida with his family and friends. He's always got a tan, because touching grass is important, and loves playing strategic digital and tabletop games. Past outlets Danny has written for include TheGamer and ScreenRant.
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