TL;DR
- Former LoL star Likkrit sanctioned by US due to family connections with previously designated Russian businessman
- His legendary Worlds 2016 underdog speech contrasts with later controversial statements that ended his playing career
- Sanctions stem from father’s 2014 OFAC listing and alleged sanctions evasion activities
- This marks first direct esports personality sanction, affecting CrowCrowd’s competitive participation
- Riot Games’ California headquarters creates compliance challenges for affiliated organizations
Games and Esports Articles LoL
Update from April 21, 11:10 CEST:
In a significant organizational development, Likkrit announced through his VK social media platform that he has formally severed ties with CrowCrowd.
Original article posted on April 20, 23:49 CEST:
The United States Treasury Department released updated sanctions documentation on April 20 targeting numerous Russian individuals in response to ongoing geopolitical developments. Among those listed was former League of Legends professional Kirill “Likkrit” Malofeyev, marking an unprecedented intersection of international policy and competitive gaming.
Within the Commonwealth of Independent States gaming community, Likkrit stands as perhaps the most recognizable figure following the era of iconic Gambit Esports/Moscow Five squads that featured legendary players like Diamondprox and Edward. He served as the emotional core and strategic leader of Albus Nox Luna during their astonishing run to the Worlds 2016 quarterfinals. While undoubtedly the squad’s most skilled competitor, his defining moment occurred not during gameplay but in a post-match press conference following their victory against G2 Esports.
His now-famous declaration, “Being the underdog doesn’t mean being the loser. That is all,” resonated globally and earned him substantial international recognition. However, his public communications weren’t always positively received. The subsequent competitive season brought a three-game suspension from LCL competition for inappropriate comments during solo queue matches. These behavioral patterns would eventually culminate in far more severe repercussions.
Approximately six months later, he delivered an impassioned critique addressing systemic issues within CIS League of Legends infrastructure. He articulated concerns about financial instability and developmental challenges facing the region. Characteristically expressive, he employed dramatic language suggesting “the region must die,” though he later removed the broadcast content. The archived recording continued circulating despite deletion efforts. This expression was clearly metaphorical rather than literal, as he emphasized the necessity for talented players to seek opportunities outside CIS territories. Nevertheless, Riot Games Russia imposed a six-month competitive ban, effectively concluding his professional playing tenure.
What rationale would prompt US authorities to target sanctions against a former esports competitor? The explanation lies in familial connections: Likkrit is the offspring of Konstantin Malofeev, an entrepreneur and proprietor of Tsargrad media conglomerate, which focuses on Russian Orthodox Christian content and demonstrates support for President Vladimir Putin. His father received designation on the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s Specially Designated Nationals roster back in 2014. Likkrit’s inclusion stems from appearing among various entities and persons under investigation by American authorities for potentially assisting Konstantin Malofeev in circumventing sanction restrictions.
This situation represents a complex intersection of personal background and international compliance requirements. For those navigating similar organizational challenges in competitive gaming, understanding proper team structure management becomes increasingly important when facing external regulatory pressures.
Consequently, Likkrit achieved the distinction of becoming the inaugural esports figure directly subjected to sanctions related to Ukrainian circumstances. Previously, organizations including Virtus.pro, Gambit, and Team Empire faced requirements to compete under neutral branding across multiple titles including CS:GO, Valorant, Apex Legends, and Rainbow Six Siege. While Kirill no longer maintains active player status, and competitive participation would present substantial difficulties regardless, he holds positions as both co-proprietor and Strategic Director for Team Operations at CrowCrowd gaming organization, which controls a franchise slot in LCL and maintains a Wild Rift competitive roster.
This regulatory action potentially creates insurmountable barriers for CrowCrowd’s involvement in any League of Legends or Wild Rift tournaments as long as Likkrit maintains organizational affiliations, given that Riot Games maintains its corporate headquarters in California, United States jurisdiction.
The evolving landscape of international esports regulation requires organizations to develop sophisticated compliance strategies. Teams facing similar challenges should consult comprehensive resources like our organizational management guides to navigate these complex legal environments effectively.
Practical consideration: Organizations with international connections should establish early legal review processes for all key personnel. Common mistake: Assuming gaming exists in regulatory vacuum. Time estimate: Compliance review processes typically require 2-4 weeks for thorough vetting.
Action Checklist
- Conduct thorough background checks on all key stakeholders and investors
- Establish legal review protocols for international sanctions compliance
- Develop contingency plans for neutral branding and organizational restructuring
- Monitor OFAC and international sanctions lists quarterly for updates
- Create clear separation protocols for personnel facing regulatory restrictions
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides » US issues sanctions on legendary CIS LoL player Likkrit Understanding US sanctions on esports legend Likkrit and their impact on competitive gaming organizations