From Dexerto · Zackerie Fairfax · · 1m
Pokemon VGC player wrongly suspended
Pokemon VGC competitor claims his identity was stolen at Worlds, leading to indefinite suspension.
In brief
Pokemon VGC competitor claims his identity was stolen at Worlds, leading to indefinite suspension. A Pokemon VGC competitor says his account was transferred without permission, causing him to be suspended indefinitely for deception at the 2026 Worlds. Originally reported by Dexerto.
Identity transfer claim
Johnny Chiou says his friend Chen-Wei Liu discovered his RK9 account was transferred to another email without permission.
“We Demand Transparency and Justice for CHEN-WEI LIU. @playpokemon My friend, CHEN-WEI LIU, discovered that his RK9 account had been transferred to another email address without his knowledge or authorization. This raised serious concerns that his qualification for the 2026...”
Player ID mix-up
Liu reported Player ID 5283777 used at 2024 Worlds was later seen at 2026 Worlds with I-Shang Chang.
“A photograph of a match slip from August 28, the first day of the 2026 Worlds VGC competition lists I-Shang Chang from Taiwan against Jin Yang Lee, with Player ID 5283777 printed under Chang’s name”
Suspension notice
Pokemon issued Liu an indefinite suspension for deception related to 2026 Worlds qualification and attendance.
“On October 16, Pokemon issued Liu a disciplinary notice under case DISINC-007883. The notice said the alleged violation concerned his "qualification and attendance for the 2026 Pokemon World Championships"”
Disciplinary details
The suspension cites deception under Section 4.3 of Pokemon Standards of Conduct but does not explain Liu's actions.
“It cited Section 4.3 of the Pokemon Standards of Conduct and listed: "Deception, defrauding, or engagement of a fellow program participant under false pretenses."”
Liu's response
Liu submitted a formal rebuttal on October 17 but received no response by November 10.
“The timeline says Liu submitted a formal rebuttal on October 17 and followed up five days later. According to the material posted by Chiou, no response had arrived by November 10.”
Public record
Two competing explanations remain: identity theft or deception by Liu.
“For now, the public record leaves two competing explanations. Liu says someone else may have used his account and tournament identity. Pokemon’s notice indicates that it believes Liu was involved in deception, but does not publicly explain how.”
What it means
A Pokemon VGC competitor says his account was transferred without permission, causing him to be suspended indefinitely for deception at the 2026 Worlds.
