The competitive League of Legends scene in Eastern Europe has been rocked by a significant breach of integrity. Organizers of the Rift Legends 2025 summer tournament have announced the immediate disqualification of team MY STAR following a flagrant case of roster manipulation and deception. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the constant vigilance required to uphold fair play in professional esports.
The Rules, The Rigmarole, And The Initial Obstacle
At the core of this unfortunate episode lies a straightforward rule: teams participating in the Rift Legends 2025 league are required to feature a minimum of three players with “Local Talent Roster” (LTR) status, signifying their origin from the Eastern European region. This regulation aims to foster regional talent and ensure a level playing field.
MY STAR`s journey into controversy began when they attempted to register a player named Lesterik, hoping he would qualify for LTR status. A routine verification, however, quickly revealed that Lesterik did not meet the necessary criteria. The tournament operator, adhering to the rulebook, promptly denied his inclusion and mandated MY STAR to find eligible replacements. The team responded by registering IGli and Ruf, both ostensibly meeting the LTR requirements.
The Audacity Unveiled: A Digital Masquerade
Just prior to their debut match, MY STAR made a last-ditch attempt to swap out Ruf, a request that was, unsurprisingly, denied by the tournament organizers. One might expect a professional team, having been twice rebuffed, to simply adhere to the rules. However, MY STAR apparently harbored other intentions, opting for a path far less traveled—and significantly more treacherous.
In a move that strains credulity, MY STAR proceeded to field the previously disqualified Lesterik, covertly, under the guise of an account named “Balukos.” To facilitate this deception, Lesterik utilized a newly created Discord account and, most brazenly, a fabricated image on his webcam during the match. This wasn`t merely a misstep; it was a premeditated, multi-layered attempt to intentionally deceive the tournament operator and bypass several fundamental competition rules.
One might even commend their elaborate, albeit misguided, creativity. The digital equivalent of wearing a fake mustache and glasses, hoping no one notices the familiar face beneath.
Caught Red-Handed: The Swift Hammer of Justice
The deception, perhaps predictably, did not hold. Tournament organizers quickly uncovered MY STAR`s illicit maneuvers. The immediate repercussions were severe and unequivocal: MY STAR was summarily disqualified from the Rift Legends 2025 summer tournament, and all their match results were nullified. For a team striving for competitive glory, this is the ultimate defeat, not by skill, but by a catastrophic failure of ethics.
Rift Legends 2025 representatives emphasized that MY STAR`s actions transcended mere rule violations; they inflicted tangible damage upon the tournament organizer`s reputation and the integrity of the event itself. As a result, the comprehensive investigation materials have been forwarded to Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, for further review and potential punitive action, which could extend beyond the regional league. Furthermore, the organizers have explicitly stated their right to pursue compensation for damages and explore additional legal measures.
Beyond The Ban: A Message To The Esports Ecosystem
This incident serves as a critical underscore of the ongoing battle for competitive integrity in the rapidly growing world of esports. As prize pools swell and stakes rise, the temptation for teams and players to bend or break rules can unfortunately increase. However, the swift and decisive action taken by Rift Legends 2025 sends a clear, unambiguous message: deception will not be tolerated.
For every aspiring professional player and team, the MY STAR saga is a cautionary tale. While the pursuit of victory is admirable, it must always be anchored in fair play and adherence to established rules. Tournament organizers, too, are reminded of their pivotal role as custodians of competitive honesty, requiring robust systems for verification and a willingness to act decisively when integrity is compromised. The health and future of esports depend on it.
