BLG Star Bin Fined Over $22,000 for Refusing to High-Five Fans at LPL Event

One of the world's top League of Legends players has received one of the most unusual penalties of the year. Bilibili Gaming top laner Bin, 22, has been officially fined more than $22,000 after refusing to high-five fans while walking to the stage before a match.

The incident occurred on June 3 following BLG's match against EDward Gaming. During the league's traditional player entrance, competitors are expected to interact with spectators, including giving high-fives to fans in a designated area. While every other BLG player participated, Bin walked past the crowd without acknowledging the outstretched hands of supporters.

Following an investigation, the LPL handed down a significant punishment. Bin was fined 150,000 yuan (approximately $22,160), issued a public reprimand, and ordered to complete additional educational and professional conduct training. The organization itself was also penalized, with Bilibili Gaming receiving a 50,000 yuan fine (around $7,300) for what the league described as inadequate supervision and management of player behavior.

The LPL's official statement took a firm stance on the matter. According to the league, Bin's actions violated professional standards, negatively affected the atmosphere of the event, diminished the spectator experience, and failed to meet tournament expectations. As a result, the incident was treated not as a minor offense but as a failure to fulfill official duties during a league event.

A key factor behind the decision is the role fan interaction now plays in the modern LPL business model. Certain premium ticket packages are marketed with promises of close player engagement and exclusive fan experiences. From the league's perspective, these interactions are part of the product spectators have paid for, making player participation an important component of the event itself.

The punishment has sparked debate within the community. Some fans have criticized the fine as excessive and disproportionate, while others argue that professional esports players are not only athletes but also public figures, and that fan engagement has become an expected part of their contractual and professional responsibilities.