Riot’s Decision and Scope
After reviewing a resurfaced clip from 2022 showing BBL Esports player Dawid “PROFEK” Święc using offensive language during a ranked match, Riot Games decided not to issue any disciplinary action, revealed the editor on Thursday. Riot determined that the incident occurred before PROFEK competed as a semi-professional or professional in Riot's VALORANT esports ecosystem and thus fell outside the scope of its Esports Global Code of Conduct.
This code is a framework that, since its rollout in 2024 and subsequent updates, applies to professional and semi-professional esports personnel registered with Riot events. According to Riot, conduct predating that status is not addressed by competitive discipline, though the company reserves the right to reassess if credible new evidence emerges. Riot therefore added that it may revisit the matter if new information emerges in the future.
The clip at the center of the controversy circulated widely in late August 2025, prompting Riot to open an investigation while allowing the Polish player to continue competing for BBL Esports. Initial coverage noted that the footage dated back to 2022 and included slurs and remarks that drew significant backlash, especially given BBL’s Turkish fan base. However, the coverage also emphasized that PROFEK was not a professional or semi-professional player under Riot’s jurisdiction when the recording was made.
PROFEK’s Response on X
PROFEK addressed the situation directly on social media. He issued an apology for his past actions as a teenager and stated that he has "grown a lot as a person" over the past four years. He thanked his BBL teammates, staff, and fans for their support throughout the season. He reflected on a demanding year that could have resulted in international LAN appearances if not for a few crucial rounds that slipped away. He also described the emotional toll of BBL’s final match, explaining that he struggled to support the team at that moment. He expressed regret for falling short. In closing, he asked those he had hurt to forgive him.
With the investigation now closed and no suspension or fine imposed, attention returns to performance, roster planning, and the off-season ahead for BBL and PROFEK. For Riot, the episode underscores the limits and transparency of its disciplinary architecture. The company will continue to investigate credible reports, but competitive sanctions will remain tied to the scope of the Code rather than to conduct that occurred before a player entered its esports jurisdiction.
Header Photo Credit: Michal Konkol/Riot Games
- Mehdi "Ztitsh" Boukneter -
/Comments
Write a comment