Riot Games suspends another set of pro players for allegedly breaking its gambling rules

Former Arcade esports VALORANT players RYRY and LAM have been suspended by Riot Games for an alleged rule violation of its Esports Global Code of Conduct - citing a clause that outlines gambling restrictions for Riot-sanctioned league competitors. 

RYRY replied to the allegations, denying having partaken in match fixing but admitting to having bet on other teams in VALORANT Challengers Oceania. Arcade esports reacted to the investigation, releasing its entire team.

RYRY and LAM suspended 

Further betting-related issues have had action taken against players within the VALORANT esports space. In an announcement by LPL Esports, the production partner of Riot Games for VALORANT Challenger Oceania shared information on the immediate provisional suspension of RYR and LAM.

It cited "credible evidence" that the players had violated rule 3.15 of the Riot Games Esports Global Code of Conduct. The mentioned rule outlines the guidelines for Esports Professionals to tread around gambling in the space, largely forbidding their involvement in any sort of betting on any esports competitions.

While the organiser didn't provide details on the matter, RYRY came forward on the social media platform Twitter, claiming that "no matchfixing was done." The player divulged to have bet on other teams in VALORANT Challengers Oceania during Split 1, adding that it was an event that "we didn’t [qualify] for."

As outlined by RYRY, the alleged scenario could still be seen as a violation of rule 3.15, which may inform Riot's handling of the situation. According to the announcement, both players will be "given an opportunity to submit a statement in their defence before a final decision is passed on the matter." A final ruling is yet to be made.

Arcade Esports reacts

Australian esports organisation Arcade Esports has responded to the actions taken against its players, closing its VALORANT division and naming the investigation as its reason. "Arcade Esports does not condone any behaviours outlined in Riot’s preliminary investigation," the organisation wrote in a statement. 

Over the last couple of months, Riot esports leagues has repeatedly made news for taking action against alleged match-fixers. Last week, Disguised's Wong "JAYH" Jia Heng was announced to be under "suspicion of match-fixing" by VALORANT Challengers Malaysia & Singapore.