Riot Games suspends former TALON and T1 player Ban for match-fixing

Riot Games has handed a twelve-month suspension to Joseph Oh "Ban" Seung-min for breaching Article 4.14 of the Riot Games Esports Global Code of Conduct under “Match-Fixing or Manipulation”. The former TALON and T1 player was found to have engaged with individuals proposing match manipulation ahead of the VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Pacific Stage 2 match between Global Esports and Team Secret, held on July 19, 2025.

VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Pacific Stage 2

Global Esports

1

X

2

Team Secret

Group Alpha, Best of 3 - July 19, 2025 - 8:00AM

5

Bind

13

13

Corrode

9

11

Lotus

13

Global Esports

player

Rating

ACS

K/D/A

+/-

K/D

KAST

ADR

HS%

FBSR

FB

FD

Kr1stal

1.01

188

47/44/14

+3

1.07

67.6%

123.9

28%

56%

5

4

PapiChulo

0.98

200

42/46/19

-4

0.91

72.1%

134.7

26%

86%

6

1

Ban

0.90

205

45/45/11

0

1.00

61.4%

135.8

35%

40%

6

9

yoman

0.87

166

39/49/17

-10

0.80

66.0%

111.3

28%

78%

7

2

UdoTan

0.72

175

38/59/7

-21

0.64

59.1%

112.0

18%

50%

12

12

Team Secret

player

Rating

ACS

K/D/A

+/-

K/D

KAST

ADR

HS%

FBSR

FB

FD

Wild0reoo

1.27

253

59/42/18

+17

1.40

77.4%

159.4

39%

31%

4

9

Nizzy

1.18

228

51/37/19

+14

1.38

78.7%

157.5

40%

83%

5

1

Zesbeew

1.09

212

51/42/22

+9

1.21

76.3%

135.0

19%

32%

7

15

KellyS

0.96

212

46/45/13

+1

1.02

80.4%

137.1

19%

42%

8

11

invy

0.86

170

36/45/21

-9

0.80

74.4%

114.0

39%

100%

4

0

According to the ruling, Ban discussed financial terms and entertained manipulation proposals but claimed he had no intent to execute them. Riot clarified that engaging in such discussions alone constitutes a violation under the Global Code of Conduct, irrespective of intent or actual manipulation.

How the Investigation Unfolded

The investigation began on August 27, 2025, after unverified screenshots suggesting match-fixing surfaced online. Riot Games brought in integrity service provider Sportradar to investigate the claims. Interviews and evidence review concluded on November 18, and while no conclusive proof of deliberate substandard performance was found, witness testimonies supported that Ban had entertained offers for potential manipulation.

Disciplinary proceedings were initiated on December 3, with Ban submitting his written response on December 10. Riot Games evaluated gameplay data and witness statements but found insufficient evidence of intentional match-fixing. However, the engagement itself breached Articles 4.14 (Match-Fixing or Manipulation) and 5.9 (Intent) of the Code.

Sanction and Reinstatement Requirements

Considering mitigating factors, including Ban’s voluntary disclosure to his team before Riot began disciplinary action, Riot determined a 12-month suspension as an appropriate penalty. Ban must also complete an accredited educational training on integrity and ethics before re-entering Riot’s esports ecosystem.

The ruling emphasizes Riot Games’ zero-tolerance stance toward threats to competitive integrity. “Any attempt to manipulate a match, even if unsuccessful, undermines fairness and trust,” the company noted in its decision.

The suspension takes immediate effect, and the matter is now closed. Riot stated that only new, substantive evidence could prompt a review in the future.

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Featured Image Source: Riot Games/Edited by THESPIKE.GG