Trace Esports, a leading organization in the Chinese esports scene, has taken disciplinary action against Ho “HeiB” Shun-hei, their professional VALORANT player, following public criticism of his in-game behavior.
HeiB faced widespread backlash after duo-queuing with his girlfriend in a high-ranked VALORANT match. His girlfriend struggled significantly, finishing with a 1-17 Kill/Death ratio, which disrupted the match and impacted other players’ competitive experience. Chinese streamer “Lucky” game publicly criticized HeiB, stating that he should have chosen Unrated mode to play casually with his girlfriend rather than compromising the integrity of a ranked match. The incident gained significant attention online, leading to heated discussions within the community.
After a thorough review of the incident, Trace Esports issued an official statement outlining the penalties imposed on HeiB. The organization required HeiB to issue a public apology for his actions and deducted his entire salary for one month as a disciplinary measure. Additionally, HeiB was subjected to internal criticism and education to ensure he reflects on the situation and avoids similar behavior in the future.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a professional and fair gaming environment, stating:
“We uphold strict standards for our players and have zero tolerance for any actions that compromise the integrity of the game. This penalty demonstrates our firm stance, and we hope all players will take this as a reminder to respect competitive fairness and contribute positively to the esports ecosystem.”
HeiB, whose real name is Ho Shun-hei, has been a crucial part of Trace Esports' VALORANT division. Known for his strategic mindset and leadership, he has played a significant role in the team’s performance in regional tournaments. However, this incident highlights the importance of upholding professional conduct both inside and outside the game.
By addressing the matter swiftly and decisively, Trace Esports has demonstrated its dedication to fostering a healthy and respectful esports ecosystem, setting an example for other organizations to follow.
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