The return of the Fortnite Champions Series (FNCS) initially went without problems.
Despite the reduced prize money, numerous duo teams entered the competition at the weekend. Until the two best teams in the NA East Region were banned.
Serious accusations have been made against the four professionals Nate “Kreo” Kou, Logan “Bucke” Eschenburg of Team Envy, “Keys” and “Slackes. They are accused of having collaborated illegally during the tournament, i.e. “teaming up”, in order to secure first and second place.
Quick suspension by Epic Games
The suspicion arose mainly from the following scenes, which the user “droxide” compiled on Twitter:
lil free storm surge lmao pic.twitter.com/tCZP4mYAHC
— DROXIDE (@DROXlDE) March 23, 2020
The response from Epic Games was fast. The developer blocked players for 60 days, effectively excluding them from the rest of the season. The affected pros complained that they were not given a chance to explain themselves. Instead, they were condemned from the outset.
“We know each other well at Scrims”
Especially Bucke wrote a longer statement on Twitter in which he defended himself against the accusations. Because they often train against each other, they simply know each other well and would therefore often meet at the same place.
Kreo also criticized the, in his view, hasty decision. He also mentioned the lack of an official investigation.
Wish we atleast had the opportunity to explain/defend ourselves without everyone hopping on the bandwagon.
Also wish Fortnite did some sort of an investigation/asked us questions
💔
— BBG Kreo (@KreoFN) March 23, 2020
The community reacted mixed to the matter. Epic was praised for its quick response, but there was also criticism. Cody “Clix” Conrod from Misfits commented as follows:https://twitter.com/ClixHimself/status/1241955808633589762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1241955808633589762&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.esports.com%2Ffortnite-profis-gebannt-fuer-teaming-in-der-fncs-81788
He also criticized the length of the blockade. He said that 60 days was simply too long and an excessively high punishment. But for many players “teaming” is forbidden and Timothy “Bizzle” Miller from Ghost Gaming also beat in this direction:
People are hating on me, I'm not the one who cheated, the video was already on twitter before I reposted. I had nothing wrong with kreo/bucke keys/slackes in the past but they cheated and got caught. They're both good duos and could of done fine without colluding for Storm Surge.
— Bizzle (@FaZeBizzle) March 23, 2020
He specifically praised the two-month suspension and expressed surprise at Epic’s consistent enforcement.
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