C3 Esports League Operations has issued a ruling regarding a check-in violation by Niner Esports and ghost-mode activations during its Valorant match against ECU Esports. ECU will receive a map victory, while Niner Esports retains its 2–1 series victory. Four individual players will receive Official Warnings.
Official Statement
Following a report from ECU Esports, C3 Esports League Operations reviewed two separate incidents involving Niner Esports and ECU Esports.1. Match Check-In Violation
Niner Esports failed to complete the required check-in process within the designated timeframe.While both teams initially agreed to proceed, ECU Esports exercised its right to enforce the existing check-in rules.
C3 Esports acknowledges limitations with the previous check-in system, which have since been corrected. However, the established rules remain enforceable.
Ruling: ECU Esports is awarded one map victory for the check-in violation. Niner Esports retains its overall series victory.
2. Ghost-Mode Violations
ECU Esports reported repeated ghost-mode activations involving multiple Niner Esports players during the preparation phase.Niner Esports explained that these activations were accidental due to mouse bindings and that the issue was corrected after being identified.
An ECU Esports player was also reported using ghost mode.
With insufficient evidence to establish intentional misuse warranting suspensions, League Operations has determined that individual Official Warnings are appropriate.
Players Receiving Official Warnings:
Niner Esports
- TAEKO
- Ruta
- MalMalGlob
- Orlog
These warnings apply only to the individual players listed above, not their respective teams or esports organizations.
3. Final Match Result
Niner Esports 2 – 1 ECU EsportsNiner Esports retains its series victory, while ECU Esports is awarded one map victory in recognition of its valid check-in timer call.
No player suspensions or team-level ghost-mode warnings will be issued.
C3 Esports reminds all participants that administrative lobby commands are intended for technical troubleshooting, not competitive use. Further violations may result in additional disciplinary action.
Nathan Hedrick
Commissioner, C3 Esports