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Blizzard Bans American University Hearthstone Team for 'Free Hong Kong' Protest
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Photo: Sharefaith, Pexels All clips and posts below are embedded from their original sources.
By the numbers: this timeline documents 4 events from Oct 8, 2019 to Oct 16, 2019, drawn from 2 sources.
“personal views about sensitive issues.”
via in.ign.com
Background
The American University Hearthstone team, consisting of Casey Chambers, Corwin Dark, and a third teammate called TJammer, held up a 'Free Hong Kong, Boycott Blizz' sign during an official live stream on October 8, 2019.
The team's protest was in response to Blizzard's punishment of Hong Kong Hearthstone pro, Blitzchung, who was banned for saying 'Liberation for Hong Kong' during an official post-game interview.
Blizzard's decision to ban Blitzchung sparked widespread controversy and criticism from fans, with many calling for a boycott of the company's games and services.
The timeline
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American University Hearthstone Team Holds Up 'Free Hong Kong' Sign
The American University Hearthstone team reportedly holds up a 'Free Hong Kong, Boycott Blizz' sign during an official live stream, sparking controversy and criticism from Blizzard.[1406]
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Blizzard Bans American University Hearthstone Team for Six Months
Blizzard reportedly bans the American University Hearthstone team from competition for six months for holding up a 'Free Hong Kong, Boycott Blizz' sign during an official live stream.[1406]
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Fans Pledge to Boycott Blizzard Over Blitzchung's Ban
Fans reportedly create a popular #BoycottBlizzard trend on social media, calling for a boycott of Blizzard's games and services in response to the company's punishment of Blitzchung.[1408]
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US Senators Condemn Blizzard's Decision to Ban Blitzchung
US Senators Ron Wyden and Marco Rubio reportedly condemn Blizzard's decision to ban Blitzchung, with Wyden stating that the company is 'willing to humiliate itself to please the Chinese Communist Party'.[1408]
Frequently asked
Why was the American University Hearthstone team banned by Blizzard?
The team was banned for six months for holding up a 'Free Hong Kong, Boycott Blizz' sign during an official live stream, which Blizzard deemed a violation of their rules.
What sparked the American University Hearthstone team's protest?
The team's protest was in response to Blizzard's punishment of Hong Kong Hearthstone pro, Blitzchung, who was banned for saying 'Liberation for Hong Kong' during an official post-game interview.
What was the reaction to Blizzard's decision to ban Blitzchung?
The decision sparked widespread controversy and criticism from fans, with many calling for a boycott of Blizzard's games and services.
Related drama
Sources
- in.ign.com, Update:IGN reached out to Blizzard for further clarification on American University’s ban. We asked why it took a week for Blizzard to announce a punishment for the college team for breaking a rule, w, Jul 25, 2026.
- in.ign.com, #BoycottBlizzard Updated: Oct. 9, 2019, 7:47 a.m. Fans are furious over Blizzard banning professional Hearthstone player Ng Wai “blitzchung” Chung from Hearthstone esports for declaring his support fo, Jul 25, 2026.
Cite this timeline
This timeline compiles 4 dated events from 2 sources. If it helped your reporting, cite it:
GenZHype. “Blizzard Bans American University Hearthstone Team for 'Free Hong Kong' Protest.”
GenZHype, 4 September 2026,
https://genzhype.com/drama/blizzard-bans-american-university-hearthstone-team-for-free-hong-kong-protest/.