Why was DrLupo removed from $100k online chess tournament? Reasons explored as Streamer is accused of fair play violation

Streamer and internet personality Benjamin Lupo, popularly known as DrLupo, was one of the participants at the PogChamps chess tournament. However, in a recent controversy, Lupo has reportedly been removed from the $100k online chess tournament, per Dexerto.

According to the news outlet, Lupo was playing against YouTuber Wolfe Glick when the game organizers scrutinized his moves. Match viewers on the Twitch stream reportedly noticed that the streamer left his "queen" at a vulnerable position and appeared to look at another monitor while playing. The organizers accused Lupo of a fair-play violation and subsequently banned his account on chess.com. They posted an official announcement on their X channel (@chesscom) on May 1 and noted,

"DrLupo has been closed for a fair play violation that occured during today’s Pogchamps event. He will be replaced in the consolation bracket before the start of tomorrow’s round."

They added,

"We wish everyone the best tomorrow and remind them that receiving any help during a match is a violation of our FP Policy and will result in a DQ and account closure."

Details explored: DrLupo is accused of "fair play violation" by chess.com

Following YouTuber Wolfe Glick and DrLupo's match on Day 1 of PogChamps, the latter was accused of "a fair play violation" and banned from the tournament. In response to the speculations and commentary on the game, Lupo took to his X channel to address the game. He noted that he had a "lot of fun playing," but,

"Have decided to drop out of the event to help maintain competitive integrity for those involved, as well as the tourney organizers."

He explained,

"Having the main stream up on my left monitor over the course of the day today to watch other games being played led to me getting move information I shouldn't have had for a game."

He accepted that he made a mistake and said that it is "on" him and "no one else." He added,

"That's on me and no one else. That's my f**k up. I apologize - you'd think I would know better, but here we are."

Other streamers, including user @JackSark, talked about the incident on YouTube, with many weighing in on the cheating. Fans and followers expressed disappointment and noted that the streamer went too far. Many wrote that they have been following DrLupo for years and didn't see the alleged cheating in a game coming.

Chess.com confirmed that DrLupo "had been closed" and will be replaced by another "contestant" for the subsequent matches. While DrLupo owned up to his mistake on X channel, fans were disappointed by the apology and expected him to do better. It is unclear if the ban will be lifted in future PogChamps tournaments.

What are your thoughts on the match? Tell us in the comments below.

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