Each Workforce Liquid and the USA Overwatch World Cup workforce have distanced themselves from professional participant Rupal in mild of his use of a racial slur.
23-year-old Overwatch professional Rupal Zaman has been dropped from Workforce Liquid, and booted from any additional USA OWWC workforce trials after typing a racial slur in Workforce Chat in the midst of a livestreamed sport.
The Assist participant with over $350,000 USD in profession prize winnings, was on the shortlist to symbolize Workforce USA at this yr’s World Cup occasion. Nonetheless, in the midst of a March 16, 2026 Twitch stream of the workforce’s trials, the participant price himself the spot.Article continues after advert
We received’t repeat the message right here, however an anti-Black racial slur was dropped into the workforce chat in the course of the stream. This message has led to Rupal’s elimination from the workforce trials, alongside together with his long-term professional squad below Workforce Liquid.
Overwatch professional Rupal dropped from Workforce Liquid and USA OWWC workforce
After the incident, the USA World Cup workforce despatched out a press release, addressing how Rupal is “not being thought-about for the 2026 roster.Article continues after advert
“We preserve a zero-tolerance coverage for the sort of habits. Unity and equality are core ideas of our workforce, and we’re dedicated to upholding these values.”Article continues after advert
Workforce Liquid co-CEO Steven Arhancet adopted up moments later, saying Rupal had been launched from their skilled Overwatch lineup as nicely.
“One in every of our Overwatch gamers used an anti-Black racial slur within the chat throughout a scrim. I wish to be unequivocal in condemning the language he used. There isn’t a place for it in our sport, in our neighborhood, or on this group.
“We additionally acknowledge that Rupal is a pacesetter in NA’s Overwatch scene, however he’s additionally a youngster who made a critical mistake in a really public means. We hope this turns into a second of real reflection and progress for him. Not the tip of his story, however a turning level in it. We want him nicely.”Article continues after adArticle continues after advert
Rupal began his skilled profession in 2020. After just a few years within the decrease circuits, he made his Overwatch League debut in 2022 as a part of Florida Mayhem the place he would later win a world championship. He then had a stint with Toronto Defiant, and was on Workforce Liquid for over a yr, till this incident.
No excuses from me. I used to be raised in a Bengali family in America. I actually have skilled racism myself not solely in America however in different international locations as nicely. Due to this fact I ought to know that utilizing such offensive language is horrible and never one thing that ought to be stated so… https://t.co/Z5tNg0m83R— Rupal (@RupalZaman) March 17, 2026
“No excuses from me,” Rupal stated on X (previously Twitter) shortly after. “ I used to be raised in a Bengali family in America. I actually have skilled racism not solely in America however in different international locations as nicely. Due to this fact, I ought to know that utilizing such offensive language is horrible and never one thing that ought to be stated so casually.Article continues after advert
Labelling it a “horrendous mistake,” Rupal introduced a break from aggressive Overwatch and streaming. “I don’t think about myself a hateful particular person. Sorry to all who supported me.”
