Image Credits: Dreamleague Season 10 | Jennika Ojala
Following Valve’s statement addressing Pro Players and Teams, we thought that the Chinese Dota 2 community was finally given closure, and the issue was overcome. But, in a move that seems quite controversial, prominent Dota 2 personality David “Godz” Parker and Jacky “EternaLEnVy” Mao have posted tweets that indicate that Carlo “Kuku” Palad and Andrei “Skem” Ong might be banned from the upcoming Chongqing Major.
So, rumor has it that the China organizers/govt involved in the Chongqing major are pushing a ban on Kuku and Skem from participating...
— David Parker | Godz (@BTSGoDz) November 23, 2018
Will be interesting to see if/how valve step in.
It’s not a rumour. Skem n Kuku are most likely going to get banned. Personally don’t feel like they deserve such a harsh punishment if they don’t have malicious intent in what they have said
— EternaLEnVy (@EternaLEnVy1991) November 24, 2018
The Filipino Dota 2 community, and /r/dota2 have reacted negatively towards this move, with some even suggesting that they move out the Chongqing Major as well as TI9 from China to a much more neutral venue. With no prior precedent, it is understandable why the Dota 2 community feels that a ban is unwarranted. On the other hand, a stern punishment will serve as a warning to the teams and pro players to keep themselves in check.
Neither Valve nor the Chongqing Major organizers have confirmed the bans, but with the SEA regional qualifiers kicking off tomorrow - we expect a statement clarifying the issue.