The second stage of the LPL is scheduled to start in one week. The official organization recently released the penalty decision for TES jungler Cream. The investigation revealed that during the event, Cream repeatedly engaged in match-fixing activities that directly or indirectly affected match fairness. In other words, since joining the LPL league, he has publicly participated in match-fixing multiple times and, similar to Galaxy, supplied match intelligence to match-fixing syndicates, including training session BP details.

The penalty imposed on him by the authorities is exceptionally severe: a lifetime ban across all global competitive regions. Henceforth, Cream cannot, like Bo, move to other regions to continue competing. He is barred from any tournaments organized by Tencent, Tengjing, or Riot Games. Clearly, the league officials have coordinated with Riot this time. Although they couldn't prosecute him legally, the authorities have designated Cream as a典型案例 of match-fixing.

After reviewing the official penalty outcome, one can only say it is highly satisfying. Individuals who dare to engage in match-fixing even in top-tier leagues truly deserve the utmost punishment. Otherwise, other players rising from the LDL might think match-fixing can be done casually. Meanwhile, the match-fixing controversy arising in the Uzi Cup has also experienced a reversal. After the fourth day of group matches, Mark, the bottom lane player of the Da Huang team, was maliciously reported for match-fixing.

The official investigation later found that Mark was falsely accused, likely because DG lost their temper after a defeat. The reason, as those who watched the matches probably know, is that before facing the Bao Lan team, the Da Huang team was 0-3 and hadn't won any small matches. Seeing this lineup, DG likely increased their bets, wagering that Bao Lan would shut out Da Huang 2:0. However, during the second game, the entire team exerted effort and secured one win, causing DG to completely lose their composure.

While preparing for the final group match, Mark also discussed with his teammates. Mark publicly vowed: "Match-fixing would cost me 4000+." Subsequently, Mark disclosed that the agreement signed by participants with Uzi explicitly states: if match-fixing is involved, a criminal case must be filed with the police, and they must compensate Uzi with 500,000. The total prize pool is only 1 million; losing 500,000 for match-fixing makes this deal seem rather unprofitable.

If there was no match-fixing, then the duo truly performed poorly. The Uzi Cup group stage has concluded. The Da Huang team lost all 5 matches, only winning one small game against Bao Lan. As an directly invited team, achieving such results is genuinely awkward. This really can't blame spectators for immediately believing the match-fixing reports upon hearing them. Not winning any of 5 matches—how poor must one be to produce such a record?

The subsequent schedule for the Uzi Cup has also been released. The elimination bracket matches are: 1st place vs 4th place, 2nd place vs 3rd place. The bottom-ranked Da Huang team and Xi Ye will stay in the losers' bracket, facing the earlier losers in the first round. The open qualifier champion Abel team achieved a 5-0 full win in the group stage. Bao Lan team only won 2 matches, tying with Xi Ye's team in record, but they won more small games. Therefore, Abel team will face Bao Lan team in the elimination phase.

Both Uzi's team and Ning Wang's team are 3-2, ranking 2nd and 3rd respectively. They will compete in the first round of eliminations. It must be said that players who regularly compete in leagues are stronger than retired streamers. Abel's team members are all陪玩; they consistently engage in mid-to-high tier matches, maintaining their competitive level well. Other teams, except Uzi, mostly play other games during streams, leading to skill decline over time.

Conclusion:

The official penalty against Cream has reached the maximum, but this cannot entirely eradicate match-fixing. After all, in our region, match-fixing最多只是 leads to bans. If, like the neighboring LCK, match-fixing could result in legal prosecution, the deterrent would be much stronger. However, a global ban is already a severe punishment; Cream's professional career thus comes to an end.

So, what do you think about this penalty?

Feel free to leave your comments for discussion!