The Hearthstone Collegiate Championship players competing under the American University banner have been banned from all Hearthstone competition for half a year. Last week, during the tournament, the three competitors held up a sign that read "Free Hong Kong, Boycott Blizz" in front of their webcam right as their match concluded. The act was one of support to Hong Kong player Blitzchung, who at the time had just received the most severe punishment in esports history.

Initially, the American University team wasn't punished by Blizzard. The company likely was considering their next move, as it faced global backlash over the punishment they had given to Blitzchung. After Blizzard announced that Blitzchung's ban would be reduced to six months, he wouldn't be removed from Grandmasters and was allowed to keep his prize money, the company has now decided to also ban the Collegiate players for six months.

Casey "Xcelsior" Chambers, one of the Collegiate players, was pleased to be issued a ban. His team had planned on forfeiting their future matches in the tournament if Blizzard decided not to take action against him and his co-competitors, as it would show inconsitency from the company.

Once again, Blizzard notified that they value one of their company pillars, "Every Voice Matters", but that the official broadcast needs to be about Hearthstone and esports.