After Krafton issued permanent bans to 'Himass' and 'TanVuu' for using external information in 'PUBG Asia Stars 2026', the players' teams launched official responses. GAM x TE requested a re-evaluation of the penalty's proportionality, while Anyone's Legend stated it is reviewing regulations and procedures to support the player's right to appeal.
In an official statement on September 23, GAM x TE did not deny that 'TanVuu' opened his personal stream chat during the match. However, the team argued that permanently banning his account and eligibility for all official tournaments was excessive, citing that personal streams were permitted in the showmatch event and that the specific infraction was not explicitly stated in the tournament rulebook at the time.
The team demanded a fair and transparent appeal process along with clear criteria and processing deadlines. GAM x TE also asked Krafton to review whether applying a permanent ban across all accounts and competitions for the confirmed actions is proportional, given that Krafton admitted to operational and communication failures. The team added that Krafton's commitment to support affected participants should be applied specifically to 'TanVuu' as well.
On the same day, Anyone's Legend stated that it is reviewing the decision against 'Himass', the cited regulations, the rulebook at the time of the incident, the tournament management process, instructions delivered to the player, and related documents. Emphasizing that it is not asking for special treatment for its player but rather demanding fair, transparent, and consistent standards, the team stated it will support an appeal in accordance with official procedures.
Both teams jointly requested an end to personal attacks against the players and their families, hate directed at their nationality or country, and the spread of unverified information. GAM x TE acknowledged that the likelihood of changing the outcome is slim, but said it would do everything possible to protect the rights and interests of 'TanVuu'. Anyone's Legend also noted it will provide further updates once additional disclosable information is confirmed.
Krafton previously announced that following a comprehensive investigation of official broadcasts, participant videos, in-game data, and replays, it confirmed stream sniping and the use of external information by both players. The publisher permanently banned the game accounts of both players and revoked their eligibility for all official esports tournaments organized or sanctioned by Krafton, while informing them that they could offer an explanation through designated procedures. Krafton maintained its stance that it has never officially permitted the use of external information during a match, regardless of the nature of the event or the size of the prize pool.
