Chinese university expels student over relationship with Ukrainian esports star
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 15, 2025, 01:22 IST
Overwhelmed in the Dean's Office
Image credit : TIL Creatives
A student at Dalian Polytechnic University faced expulsion. She had a relationship with Danylo “Zeus” Teslenko. He is a Ukrainian gamer. The university cited inappropriate behavior. The incident occurred during Zeus's Shanghai visit in December 2024. Intimate photos surfaced online. The university announced Li’s expulsion in July 2025. This action sparked debate about privacy and morality.
In an incident that has stirred debate across China and the international esports community, a female student at Dalian Polytechnic University has been expelled for engaging in a sexual relationship with a prominent Ukrainian gamer during his visit to Shanghai. The university cited "inappropriate behavior" as the reason for the disciplinary action.
The student, identified only by her surname, Li, reportedly became involved with Danylo “Zeus” Teslenko, a celebrated professional player of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). Zeus was in Shanghai in December 2024 to participate in the Grand Final of the Perfect World Shanghai Major, a major international gaming tournament.
According to reports, the two met during Zeus’s visit and spent time together at a hotel on December 16, 2024. Li later shared several intimate photos of the pair on social media, while Zeus allegedly posted similar images and videos in his fan group. These images quickly went viral, drawing widespread attention on Chinese social media platforms.
Online users soon identified Li as a student at Dalian Polytechnic University. Although the incident occurred in late 2024, the university did not issue a response until July 8, 2025—nearly seven months later. In an official statement, university authorities announced Li’s expulsion for violating institutional conduct standards. “Your inappropriate behavior on December 16, 2024, has caused a severe negative impact. You are hereby subject to expulsion from our university,” the translated statement read.
The expulsion was based on provisions issued by China’s Ministry of Education and the university’s internal disciplinary rules. Officials emphasized the damage to the school’s reputation and the example it sets for its student body.
Zeus, who is 37 years old, is married and has a child. His involvement with Li has not only attracted criticism in China but has also sparked controversy among his fans and the wider esports community. Neither he nor his team has released a formal statement regarding the incident.
Li has the right to appeal the university’s decision within 60 days. However, the case has already ignited public discourse around privacy, morality, institutional overreach, and the intersection of celebrity culture and student life.
As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a striking example of how personal relationships—particularly those involving public figures—can spiral into public controversies in the age of social media.
The student, identified only by her surname, Li, reportedly became involved with Danylo “Zeus” Teslenko, a celebrated professional player of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). Zeus was in Shanghai in December 2024 to participate in the Grand Final of the Perfect World Shanghai Major, a major international gaming tournament.
According to reports, the two met during Zeus’s visit and spent time together at a hotel on December 16, 2024. Li later shared several intimate photos of the pair on social media, while Zeus allegedly posted similar images and videos in his fan group. These images quickly went viral, drawing widespread attention on Chinese social media platforms.
Online users soon identified Li as a student at Dalian Polytechnic University. Although the incident occurred in late 2024, the university did not issue a response until July 8, 2025—nearly seven months later. In an official statement, university authorities announced Li’s expulsion for violating institutional conduct standards. “Your inappropriate behavior on December 16, 2024, has caused a severe negative impact. You are hereby subject to expulsion from our university,” the translated statement read.
The expulsion was based on provisions issued by China’s Ministry of Education and the university’s internal disciplinary rules. Officials emphasized the damage to the school’s reputation and the example it sets for its student body.
Zeus, who is 37 years old, is married and has a child. His involvement with Li has not only attracted criticism in China but has also sparked controversy among his fans and the wider esports community. Neither he nor his team has released a formal statement regarding the incident.
Li has the right to appeal the university’s decision within 60 days. However, the case has already ignited public discourse around privacy, morality, institutional overreach, and the intersection of celebrity culture and student life.
As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a striking example of how personal relationships—particularly those involving public figures—can spiral into public controversies in the age of social media.