Looks like teabagging is still alive and well.

Killer Instinct World Cup organizer Brandon Alexander has revealed to Yahoo Esports that the taunting technique has in fact not been banned for KIWC. A post with full rules and regulations is forthcoming on the official site.

News about a teabagging ban circulated yesterday after an alleged incident between two players. One player reportedly threatened another after being on the receiving end of a teabagging taunt.









The alleged ban incited plenty of criticism from around the FGC, including Killer Instinct designer Adam “Keits” Heart and commentator David “UltraDavid” Graham.

fighting games are psychology. disrespecting your opponent can be a psychological play. a ban for taunting removes important human aspect — Keits @ NewDonkCity (@TheKeits) January 23, 2017





You know, competitive games CAN tell a story ABOUT THE PLAYERS if you LET THEM. Trying to force everyone to be friendly is shortsighted. — Keits @ NewDonkCity (@TheKeits) January 23, 2017





Crazy that KI World Cup banned teabagging. That game is so clearly about fun douchery that idk how you can play it if teabagging bugs you — David Philip Graham (@ultradavid) January 23, 2017





For those who don’t know, teabagging is a form of a taunt that involves crouching repeatedly (usually over a defeated player) with roots dating back to the early days of first-person shooters like Halo and Counter-Strike. It has become more prevalent in fighting games recently as it is seems to be a way to taunt without actually using the taunt function built into the games.

One example is Capcom Cup 2016 champ Du “NuckleDu” Dang, who is known for teabagging opponents in Street Fighter V and for taunting with Guile in Ultra Street Fighter IV.

According to a statement from Alexander, teabagging became an issue last year and came to a head at KIWC 2016 in March. It appears a rule against teabagging was in place, but wasn’t enforced.

“I made the decision to change the rule on it last year at KIWC 2016 actually. Hence why I didn’t enforce it at all really,” Alexander said in a statement, adding that the talk of banning teabagging yesterday was a “this is why we can’t have nice things” troll.

While teabagging at KIWC has a green light, there is a zero tolerance policy for threats and sexual harassment.

He also confirmed the player making threats that sparked the teabagging debate is “being dealt with.”

Killer Instinct World Cup takes place on March 10-12 as part of the first ever Killer Instinct Con in San Antonio, TX.





Michael Martin began learning Killer Instinct this week but has been unable to find the in-game teabagging tutorial. Follow him on Twitter @Bizarro_Mike.