Creator Drama
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.[1]
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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.[2]
Screenshot of in.ign.com, captured Sep 26, 2026. Source [2] -
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'.[2]
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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.[1]
Our read of the evidence
Mostly unverified. All timeline events are based solely on reports from in.ign.com, with no primary‑source confirmation provided. No other outlet or source corroborates any of the events, leaving the information resting only on a report. Consequently, the evidence remains unverified beyond the reported claims.
Our rating counts evidence, not opinions about anyone: events confirmed by a primary source (the person's own post, their official site, a court or government record) weigh most, then how many independent outlets report the story.
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.
More related drama (4)
Sources (2)
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, 1 September 2026,
https://genzhype.com/drama/blizzard-bans-american-university-hearthstone-team-for-free-hong-kong-protest/.