It’s been a controversial start to PGL Wallachia Season 2, with pub beef escalating beyond in-game trash-talking to a physical altercation involving Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf and Akbar “SoNNeikO” Butaev from Team Falcon and AVULUS, respectively, making headlines.
While PGL and Team Falcons have issued statements regarding the incident, there is an ongoing debate about who was ‘in the right.’
The incident between SoNNeikO and ATF at PGL Wallachia S2 was first revealed through PGL’s press release, announcing AVULUS receiving a Level-3 penalty for their series against Falcons. This penalty included a -110 seconds bonus drafting time, shedding some light on the incident.
Team Falcons later shared their version of events, suggesting that SoNNeikO instigated the altercation due to in-game pub beef. Allegedly, the confrontation began when SoNNeikO put his arm around ATF in the hotel lobby, leading to a physical altercation.
In the aftermath, there have been varying opinions from pro players regarding the incident. Some view in-game trash-talking as harmless banter, while others consider it to be equivalent to real-world insults and cyberbullying.
One ongoing debate on Twitter is between David “Parker” Nicho Flores and Quinn “Quinn” Callahan. Parker believes that insults should not be made behind a computer screen, while Quinn seems to side with Ammar. The discussion between the two eventually devolves into trash-talking about each other’s past actions.
Despite differing opinions, many players align with TI Champion Aydin “iNSaNia” Sarkohi, who believes that while trash-talking is toxic, getting physical is worse.
While SoNNeikO’s actions are unjustifiable, some players are dissatisfied with the lack of punishment for ATF, who they feel instigated the beef. This isn’t the first time ATF has been involved in such conflicts, with past incidents involving vulgar language but no physical altercations.
In situations where professionalism and sportsmanship are compromised, it’s important for tournament organizers to take action to maintain standards. For more coverage of PGL Wallachia S2, stay tuned to Esports.net. If you believe this incident will motivate ATF, consider betting on Team Falcons at the event.
