Riot Games’ suspension of League of Legends player Syzyf raises questions

Last week, Riot Games announced the suspension of Polish League of Legends player Jakub “Syzyf” Ruta. Riot announced a 12-month ban for the player, who allegedly allowed family members to bet on his matches. 

The ban appears to be either too long or too short, depending on what bets the family member placed on Syzyf’s matches. 

“Riot Games did not find sufficient evidence to establish that Syzyf intentionally manipulated the outcome of any match,” a company statement read. 

The investigation, launched with Sportradar, did indicate that “Syzyf may have enabled gambling activity involving a close family member in connection with competitions in which he was directly participating.”

This is in breach of Riot’s rules, which prohibit players from betting “directly or indirectly, on any competition, game, play, or component thereof in which” they participate. 

The rules also state that players “may be held liable for the behavior of their relatives or other affiliates that may have taken part or contributed to a breach of this provision.”

Riot did not reveal who the family member was or the bets they placed, but did indicate the two matches in question. 

Alerts were raised on Onion Team vs. Barcząca Esports and Onion Team vs. Forsaken during the Rift Legends 2026 Winter Split – Group Stage in February this year. 

Onion Team lost both matches comprehensively. 

Riot’s rules state that a player found guilty of match-fixing would face permanent ineligibility from competition. 

If the family member wagered on Onion Team to lose or on Syzyf’s underperformance, that would surely be a big indication that he has thrown the match deliberately. 

Riot said that “he had discussed the relevant matches with a close family member prior to the bets being placed.” This furthers the suggestion that he manipulated his performance to ensure the bets won. 

On the other hand, the family member may have placed bets on Onion Team to win, or Syzyf to perform well individually. In that case, a year-long punishment would appear harsh. 

Firstly, the bets lost, so in no way has Syzyf or his family gained any advantage. Secondly, what conversation would he have had? “I will try to win this match, so you can bet on me.”

That would appear fairly innocent. There is no risk to sporting integrity when a player tries their best to win. Players are, of course, prohibited from wagering on themselves to win, however. 

Riot also issued a 12-month suspension to a VALORANT player who was found to have entertained discussions about match-fixing. In a campaign to stamp out corruption, failing to report this would seem a greater crime than simply trying to win a match. 

This would appear to be the most likely scenario, as bets on Syzyf to lose would surely incur stronger penalties. 

A year-long suspension for a tier-two player trying to climb the rankings will have severely damaging effects. If it is the result of his trying to win a match, this appears harsh.

Riot approved gambling sponsors last year and soon after had to fend off  allegations of match fixing. On that occasion, it also found “no evidence” of match-fixing.

Without more information about the case, it is difficult to reach any judgment, but on its face, the year-long suspension does not seem to fit the crime.