Seungmin “ban” Oh Suspended for 12 Months After Match-Fixing Discussions at VCT Pacific Stage 2 2025

Riot Games Competitive Operations has issued a 12-month suspension to professional VALORANT player Seungmin “ban” Oh after determining that he engaged in match-fixing discussions involving financial terms related to a VCT Pacific Stage 2 2025 match between Global Esports (GE) and Team Secret (TS).

The ruling was officially published by Riot on December 18, confirming that the player violated Article 4.14 of the Riot Games Esports Global Code of Conduct, which strictly prohibits match manipulation in any form. Official Ruling

• Riot Games Competitive Operations Ruling:https://competitiveops.riotgames.com/en-US/rulings/seungmin-ban-oh

Seungmin ban Oh Suspended After Match-Fixing Discussions

According to Riot’s investigation, Seungmin “ban” Oh participated in conversations with third parties attempting to influence the outcome of the GE vs TS match on July 19, 2025. These discussions reportedly involved financial incentives, which Riot classified as a direct breach of competitive integrity, regardless of whether the plan was ultimately executed.

Riot emphasized that engaging in match-fixing discussions alone constitutes a violation, even in the absence of proven in-game manipulation.

No Evidence of In-Game Manipulation, But Violation Confirmed

While the investigation found no conclusive proof that Ban intentionally underperformed or altered in-game actions, Riot stated that intent and participation in prohibited discussions are sufficient grounds for disciplinary action under the Global Code of Conduct.

The ruling reinforces Riot’s zero-tolerance stance toward integrity breaches at all levels of professional competition.

Investigation Conducted With Sportradar Support

The inquiry was led by Riot Games Competitive Operations, with investigative assistance from Sportradar. Riot reviewed:

• Witness testimonies

• Available documentation

• Corroborating statements from involved parties

Although some digital evidence could not be independently verified, Riot concluded that the totality of evidence demonstrated inappropriate involvement in match-fixing-related communications.

Mitigating Factors Considered, Suspension Maintained

Riot acknowledged mitigating factors in its decision, including Ban’s self-reporting of the incident to his team prior to Riot’s formal investigation.

Despite this, Riot ruled that the severity of the violation warranted a full 12-month suspension from all Riot-sanctioned competitions, effective immediately.

Integrity Training Required for Return to Competition

In addition to the suspension, Seungmin “ban” Oh must complete a mandatory integrity and ethics education program before becoming eligible to return to professional VALORANT competition.

Riot reiterated that maintaining trust and fairness within esports is a core priority, warning that any involvement in match-fixing discussions—even without execution—undermines the competitive ecosystem.