Pro Player Banned From Hearthstone Over Hong Kong Protest Has No Regrets

In October 2019, Hearthstone pro player Ng Wai Chung, known as "Blitzchung," was banned from the game after shouting "liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times" in a post-match interview. Blitzchung's support of protesters in Hong Kong landed him a six-month ban (which was initially a year ban and a forfeiture of his prize money, although it was toned down), and led to protests at BlizzCon 2019.

Now Blitzchung has spoken up about his decision in a video by People Make Games. In it, he reflects on the choice to say what he said, which was not planned--it was a spontaneous statement.

"So you know, when so many people are protesting out there and I'm just sat there, playing my tournaments...I just kind of feel bad and I want to do something," he says. Blitzchung lives in Hong Kong and says that he loves it there.

"There is some things more important that my career," he says, referencing his protest. Asked about the response from Blizzard at the time, he said he was "a bit disappointed" at them. "But I mean, it's something I can understand," he adds. He compares Blizzard to Hong Kong itself: "Maybe it's getting worse, but do I hate it? No."

Asked if Blitzchung was still glad that he did it, after everything that has happened, he responded positively. "Yeah. I just never...I'll do it. Even if I had a chance to go back, I'd still do it...it's a must-do thing."

In a statement released shortly after the original incident, saying that he was not sure if he would return to the game. "Honestly, I have no idea on that yet. Since my next tournament is very likely to be the grandmaster tournament of next season, it's probably at least a few months from now on. I will take this time to relax myself to decide if I am staying in competitive Hearthstone scene or not," he said at the time. However, in this new interview, it's said that he will indeed return in April.