A CSGO pro is under fire for using a homophobic knife name

During the Perfect World Asia League Summer 2020 competition, professional Counter-Strike player JiaMing “DeStRoYeR” Gu attracted significant attention for reasons completely unrelated to his gameplay performance or strategic decisions.

While Invictus Gaming executed an impressive round against team D13, commentators focused their attention on the weapon skin DeStRoYeR carried, which prominently featured the offensive phrase “LGBT Slayer” displayed across its surface.

Tournament caster Jason Kaplan captured the moment and shared it publicly on social media, expressing strong condemnation toward the player. He stated that only someone with deeply problematic values would choose to brandish a weapon with such explicitly homophobic labeling.

“Throughout my career covering competitive CSGO, I’ve encountered numerous inappropriate skin names, but this particular example from DeStRoYeR represents the most egregious case I’ve witnessed,” Kaplan emphasized during his commentary.

I’ve seen some disgusting names for people’s skins in @CSGO but this one from @invgaming Destroyer takes the cake. How fucked up of a person are you to name your knife “LGBT Slayer” pic.twitter.com/BCh5rQ1ewy

— Jason Kaplan (@JKaplan) July 10, 2020

Some community members suggested cultural context might explain the situation, noting DeStRoYeR’s Chinese background could mean he didn’t fully comprehend the phrase’s offensive connotations when acquiring it through the game’s marketplace. This theory gained some credibility when Kaplan later tweeted that the player claimed to have only temporarily used the skin borrowed from another individual.

“I strongly believe that professional competitors should exercise greater diligence when selecting cosmetic items,” Kaplan elaborated in subsequent tweets. “When uncertain about terminology or phrases displayed on weapons, players have an obligation to research meanings before showcasing them to massive audiences during broadcast events.”

Esports personality Chris Puckett joined the conversation, arguing that obtaining the offensive skin from what he described as a “homophobic acquaintance” didn’t mitigate the problematic nature of its display.

He doesn’t have it, but borrowed it from a homophobic friend and proudly used it in game.

Ah this makes it way better

— Puckett For Hire (@MLGPuckett) July 10, 2020

Kaplan responded skeptically to the borrowing explanation, stating: “Honestly, I find it difficult to accept that justification at face value. Claiming ignorance in these circumstances feels like an unconvincing excuse.”

This incident highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity training for professional gamers competing internationally. Many organizations now implement mandatory workshops covering appropriate conduct and inclusive language, recognizing that professional players serve as role models within the gaming ecosystem. Understanding how weapon skins and other cosmetic items can communicate values—intentionally or not—has become increasingly crucial as esports reaches broader mainstream audiences.

While prominent figures within the CSGO community quickly denounced the professional player’s choice to display such phrasing during competition, the broader player base demonstrated significantly more mixed reactions to the “LGBT Slayer” terminology.

Some supporters argued that Valve should prohibit such weapon skins entirely from their marketplace and impose competitive penalties on players who utilize them during official tournaments. However, many respondents to Kaplan’s social media post dismissed his concerns as excessive sensitivity.

Community members ridiculed the commentator, suggesting he avoid enabling voice chat in matches if such language disturbed him. Others mockingly claimed he must lack first-person shooter experience if this particular instance provoked such strong reaction.

Numerous participants in the discussion dismissed the significance of the offensive language entirely, arguing that digital text on virtual weapons constitutes merely “arrangements of pixels” incapable of causing genuine offense.

Kaplan expressed profound discomfort with these dismissive responses, tweeting that the community’s casual acceptance of homophobic content genuinely disturbed him.

The amount of responses from people saying “it’s just pixels, stop being so easily offended” makes my skin crawl. He’s a professional player and has tens of thousands of people watching him. Would you be ok if Lebron had “Whitey slayer” or Brady with “N word slayer” on a Jersey?! https://t.co/Amhtgx6Wun

— Jason Kaplan (@JKaplan) July 10, 2020

This division within gaming communities often stems from differing perspectives on whether virtual spaces should mirror real-world social standards or operate under separate norms. Understanding these competing viewpoints helps explain why similar controversies repeatedly emerge across different competitive titles.

This incident represents just one example of persistent problematic elements within competitive gaming spaces. The community’s historical treatment of transgender competitor Kaitlin “Katie” Boop provides another troubling example, with numerous discussion threads specifically created to mock her vocal characteristics, physical appearance, and even engage in inappropriate discussions about her anatomy.

Despite ongoing initiatives to create more welcoming and inclusive gaming environments, elements of prejudice and discrimination continue to surface regularly.

Professional gaming organizations increasingly recognize that addressing these issues requires proactive measures rather than reactive responses. Many now employ dedicated inclusion officers, establish clear conduct codes with enforceable penalties, and provide resources for players encountering harassment.

The gaming industry’s approach to these challenges continues evolving, with tournament organizers implementing stricter content guidelines and monitoring systems. However, balancing creative expression with appropriate community standards remains an ongoing challenge across competitive gaming landscapes.

For players looking to navigate these complex social dynamics while improving their gameplay, our BF6 Class Selection Guide offers valuable insights into strategic decision-making that can enhance both individual performance and team cohesion.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » A CSGO pro is under fire for using a homophobic knife name Examining the CSGO community's divided response to homophobic weapon skins and professional accountability