CBLOL 2026 Finalist Fined After Giving the Middle Finger

Kim “Zest” Dong-min, top laner for LOS, was fined after giving the middle finger following the team's victory over LOUD in League of Legends. The punishment was reported on Friday, October 2, by Sheep Esports, citing sources close to the matter.

According to the report, the penalty carries a minimum fine of R$5,000, approximately $958 on October 2, although the exact amount imposed on the player has not yet been confirmed. The report also stated that LOS offered to cover the payment. Riot Games has yet to publish an official statement detailing the punishment.

Zest Had Already Said He Would Pay the Fine

The incident happened on Sunday, September 27, shortly after LOS defeated LOUD 3-2 in the upper bracket final of CBLOL 2026. The result sent the team to the grand final and secured one of Brazil's spots at Worlds 2026.

After the series, Zest explained during a press conference that the gesture was directed at a specific LOUD fan who had taunted him before Game 5. When asked about the possibility of being punished, the South Korean player said: “If I get fined, I'll pay it, no problem.”

"Honestly, I tried not to look at Twitter too much over the last few days because people, especially LOUD fans, seemed more focused on attacking the opponent than supporting their own team. So I tried to stay away from that kind of thing."

"But when I was going into Game 5, a LOUD fan came up to me and said, ‘You're going to lose, you guys are going to lose this game.’ So when it was over, I only made that gesture toward that specific fan. If I get fined, I'll pay it, no problem. That's it."

Fine Will Not Keep Zest Out of the Final

The punishment imposed on the player was financial only. As a result, Zest remains available for the CBLOL 2026 grand final, scheduled for October 10 in Rio de Janeiro.

The final will also determine Brazil's seeding for Worlds 2026. LOS has already qualified for Worlds, while LOUD and FURIA will compete for the country's second spot in the lower bracket final.

Follow Strafe Esports for the latest League of Legends news, and our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, keep an eye on the Strafe YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.

Featured image credit: Stream/Riot Games

Read more:

T1 Esports Academy Crowned 2026 World Star Challengers Invitational Champions

South Korea Takes League of Legends Gold at Asian Games 2026

[UPDATED] LCS 2026 Summer All-Pro Teams Are Out! Team Liquid Reigns in Inspired's Absence