FlyQuest top laner Gabriël “Bwipo” Rau has been suspended for the upcoming LTA Playoffs series against Vivo Keyd Stars, following controversial comments he made about women in esports during a livestream. The decision comes amid growing scrutiny regarding inclusivity and conduct in the professional League of Legends scene. In addition to the suspension, Bwipo’s prize money from the event will be donated to initiatives supporting women in gaming.

Sexist Remarks Spark Widespread Backlash

The suspension follows a Twitch livestream broadcast on September 9, during which Bwipo responded to a viewer’s question about women in professional esports. The Belgian top laner remarked that there is “a time in the month where you shouldn’t be playing competitive games as a woman,” suggesting that women should have a “different account to play on” during their menstrual cycle, because “competition isn’t going to schedule around your period.”

While Bwipo later clarified that he did not intend for his statement to be sexist, citing his experience living with a female gamer, his comments were widely condemned throughout the esports community. Prominent figures such as Barento “Raz” Mohammed used the platform to reignite dialogue around the longstanding barriers women face in competitive gaming, including a lack of infrastructure, biased perceptions, and systemic harassment.

Just days before the all-female Game Changers Rising tournament was set to launch, the controversy underscored the significant gap that still exists in achieving gender equity within the professional scene.

Immediate Response from FlyQuest and Bwipo

Following the incident, FlyQuest released a public statement denouncing the remarks as “antithetical” to their organizational values. They emphasized their ongoing dedication to diversity and inclusion through their RED program, designed to support underrepresented demographics in gaming.

In tandem, Bwipo published an apology on X (formerly Twitter), admitting he had “f**ked up” and pledging to “reflect, listen, and do better.” He acknowledged the harm his remarks caused and reiterated his personal responsibility to foster a more respectful and inclusive environment moving forward.

Continued Scrutiny: Recent Controversies Surrounding Bwipo

The livestream incident is the latest in a series of controversies involving Bwipo, who has found himself at the center of multiple public disagreements over recent months.

The KBBQ Controversy

Earlier in September, Bwipo openly voiced his frustration over scrims against Cloud9 in an interview with LCS Profiles. He commented:

“C9 5-0s us in scrims and goes to go get Korean f**king barbecue. Like, hello? How can I even focus?”

Christian “IWDominate” Rivera, a former pro player and current streamer, later countered Bwipo’s claims, stating that the dinner was a scheduled team event rather than a deliberate show of confidence. The incident quickly evolved into a meme across the League community, with fans and players referencing “KBBQ” humorously in related discussions.

Long-Standing Rivalry with Dhokla

Bwipo’s feud with 100 Thieves top laner Niship “Dhokla” Doshi has persisted for over a year. It began when Bwipo posted a jab on X, remarking that Dhokla had “dropped an Equalizer on his own match history,” alongside a screenshot revealing six consecutive Rumble losses.

Tensions escalated again after FlyQuest’s win over 100 Thieves in the LTA North Grand Final. During the post-match handshake line, Dhokla bypassed Bwipo, later explaining on X that he refused to fist bump someone who, in his view, had publicly undermined his career while advocating for perseverance.

The rivalry continued to gain attention when, following the sexist remarks controversy, Dhokla appeared to subtly mock the situation’s fast escalation:

LTA Playoffs: A Critical Match Under the Spotlight

Bwipo’s suspension has major implications for FlyQuest as they head into a highly anticipated series against Vivo Keyd Stars in the LTA Championship Playoffs, scheduled for September 20. The best-of-five matchup marks the team’s first appearance in the playoff bracket and arrives at a crucial moment in their competitive run.

Although both teams have already qualified for Worlds 2025, the series carries significant weight in terms of regional prominence and seeding. FlyQuest enters the playoffs on a five-game win streak and is currently ranked #20 in the Strafe LoL World Rankings. In contrast, Vivo Keyd Stars sit at #54 but recently secured the LTA South Split 3 title, demonstrating upward momentum.

Community polls heavily favor FlyQuest, with over 90% predicting their victory. However, the absence of Bwipo – one of their star performers – could introduce volatility into what was previously seen as a straightforward path to victory. Fans can follow the action live via the official match page, Strafe, Twitch, or YouTube.

A Broader Conversation on Inclusion in Esports

The fallout from Bwipo’s livestream has reignited critical conversations around sexism, personal accountability, and the core values upheld by esports organizations. FlyQuest’s decision to both suspend the player and donate his prize earnings signifies an evolving standard in how misconduct is handled, prioritizing community trust and proactive support.

The timing is particularly relevant with the advent of Game Changers Rising, an all-female tournament designed to spotlight talent traditionally excluded from top-level play. As the esports landscape continues to expand, the demand for inclusive environments, equitable opportunities, and strong community leadership grows ever more urgent.

For continued coverage of competitive League of Legends, including up-to-date news from the LTA Playoffs and regional developments, stay tuned to LoLNews.gg.