Introduction:
In recent years, esports has grown rapidly in popularity, attracting millions of viewers worldwide. One of the most popular games in esports is Fortnite, which hosts major tournaments such as the World Cup and the Champion Series. However, there have been a few controversies surrounding these events, including one that occurred during the XSET Major 2019 Fortnite World Cup when FunPlus Phoenix ANGE1 was disqualified for cheating in the finals. In this article, we will take a closer look at the incident and its implications for esports teams and players.
What Happened:
On July 26th, 2019, the XSET Major 2019 Fortnite World Cup was held in New York City, with $3 million on the line and over 2 million viewers watching. FunPlus Phoenix ANGE1 was one of the top teams competing in the event, but they were caught cheating during the finals. The team used an unauthorized third-party software that allowed them to aim automatically, giving them a significant advantage over their opponents.
After the incident, XSET disqualified FunPlus Phoenix ANGE1 and stripped them of their first-place finish, awarding the title and prize money to NRG Esports instead. The team was also banned from participating in any future XSET events for two years.
The Impact:
The cheating scandal at the XSET Major 2019 Fortnite World Cup has had a significant impact on esports teams and players, as well as the gaming community as a whole. Here are a few ways that it has affected the industry:
- Increased Scrutiny: The incident has increased scrutiny of esports teams and players, as they face greater pressure to maintain high levels of professionalism and integrity. Esports organizations have also stepped up their efforts to detect and prevent cheating, with some implementing strict new rules and regulations.
- Loss of Credibility: FunPlus Phoenix ANGE1 has lost a significant amount of credibility in the gaming community as a result of the cheating scandal. This has hurt the team’s reputation and may make it harder for them to attract sponsorship or secure future events.
- Financial Penalties: The incident has also led to financial penalties for FunPlus Phoenix ANGE1, as they lost out on a significant portion of the $3 million prize money that was awarded to the winning team. This has put a strain on the team’s finances and may make it harder for them to compete at the same level in future events.
- Increased Competition: The cheating scandal has also increased competition within esports, as more teams and players strive to prove their professionalism and integrity. This has led to a more competitive and exciting gaming experience for viewers, but it has also put additional pressure on teams to perform at the highest level.
Lessons Learned:
Despite the negative impact of the cheating scandal, there are several lessons that can be learned from the incident. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Professionalism is Key: Esports teams and players must maintain high levels of professionalism and integrity, even in the face of intense competition and pressure. This includes adhering to strict rules and regulations, avoiding cheating or other unethical behavior, and treating opponents with respect.
- Cheating is Not an Option: Cheating is a serious offense that can have severe consequences for esports teams and players. It undermines the integrity of the sport and puts additional pressure on teams to compete fairly and honestly.
- The Importance of Integrity: Integrity is a crucial component of any successful esports team or player. By maintaining high levels of professionalism and integrity, teams can build trust with their fans and sponsors, as well as establish themselves as leaders in the industry.
- Continuous Improvement: Esports is a rapidly evolving industry, and teams must be willing to continuously improve their skills and strategies in order to stay competitive. This includes staying up-to-date on the latest technology and techniques, as well as learning from mistakes and failures.