Riot Games Drama Unfolds: Benjyfishy Warned for Betting Violation

The esports community witnessed a whirlwind of reactions last night as VALORANT pro Benjyfishy received an official warning from Riot Games for placing a bet on the League of Legends World Championship. This has sparked intense debates about fairness and consistency in Riot’s rules and enforcement.

---

Riot Games’ Code of Conduct: What Happened?

Benjyfishy, a player for Team Heretics, violated Riot Games’ Esports Global Code of Conduct by betting on the League of Legends World Championship match between T1 and BLG. The bet wasn’t substantial (around €100), but it directly contradicted Riot’s rules prohibiting esports players from betting on their titles. While Benjyfishy admitted his mistake and acknowledged the rules, he received a warning rather than a ban.

In his statement, Benjyfishy expressed gratitude that Riot chose not to enforce a harsher penalty, accepting full responsibility for the violation. However, this leniency has raised eyebrows, especially when contrasted with past cases.

---

Chet’s Suspension: A Case for Inconsistency?

Chet, a coach formerly with NRG, highlighted the disparity in Riot’s punishments. Earlier this year, Chet received a five-month suspension for streaming a scrim VOD without explicit permission from Riot or the opposing team. This ban significantly impacted his coaching career, barring him from all VALORANT activities until March 2025.

Chet pointed out what many perceive as a double standard, questioning why his violation of Riot’s rules warranted such a severe penalty while Benjyfishy’s breach resulted in only a warning. The community remains divided, with some arguing that streaming scrim data and betting are fundamentally different offenses, while others view the penalties as inconsistent.

---

Broader Implications for Betting in Esports

Riot Games has recently announced its plan to allow betting partnerships in the VCT and League of Legends Esports for the Americas and EMEA regions in 2025. This move has reignited debates about the role of gambling in esports, particularly concerning tier-one versus tier-two teams. While tier-one teams may benefit from sponsorship opportunities, tier-two organizations are excluded, leading to further inequality in the ecosystem.

---

The 18+ Rule in VALORANT: Debate Continues

Another hot topic in the esports world is the 18+ age restriction for VCT participation. While younger players can compete in non-VCT events, the age limit restricts many talented individuals from entering tier-one competition. This rule, likely tied to labor laws in key regions, has faced criticism for potentially stifling young talent.

Comparisons to other esports, such as Call of Duty and CS:GO, highlight different approaches to age restrictions. For instance, CS:GO’s 17-year-old Donk recently made headlines for his exceptional performance at the Major, prompting discussions on whether VALORANT should lower its age requirement.

---

Positive News for the Community

Amid the drama, some heartwarming updates have emerged. Former Sentinels player SicK shared an uplifting message about his improved mental health, stating, “Life isn’t too bad these days, one might even say joyful.” The community rallied behind him, celebrating his progress and hoping for his return to esports in a positive capacity.

Additionally, speculation surrounds Yay’s potential move to Evil Geniuses, with rumors continuing to swirl about roster changes across top-tier organizations.

---

Looking Ahead

As the esports world grapples with these controversies, fans eagerly anticipate the start of the next competitive season. Riot Games’ evolving rules and partnerships will undoubtedly shape the landscape of VALORANT and other esports titles. However, ensuring fairness and consistency in enforcement remains a critical challenge for the developer.

Stay tuned for more updates on these stories as they develop by checking AllValorant.gg!

Frequently Asked Questions about Riot Games Drama and Betting