Eh, I can understand why they don't want to send the money. A large quantity will be taxed and used for military funds, on top of that whatever is bought bolsters the russian economy.

The only reason why russian currency is as bad as it is now, thus making the war effort pretty harsh, is the sanctioning of and willing non-participation in the russian economy.

Video games, tournament winnings, big macs, etc. all contribute to the general economy. Some economists would argue that's the majority of it in this day and age.

As for the punishment part, it's sad that common people have to suffer but it's the only way to bring a conclusion to this specific war. On the topic of iraq, I'd argue the UK and US should have had the same situation happen to them during their immoral invasions

Putting pressure on the citizens may cause them to transmit that pressure upwards to their governments. You did not face such pressure because no one on Iraq's side had any that they could meaningfully apply.

The answer to why you weren't excluded but Russians are is simple: vae victis.

Some countries do things that others don't like. Other countries retaliate. But some retaliation is more effective than others.

Lawyers will get involved. If they wanted to send a message they could donate the winnings to the Ukrainian red cross

$200k to epic is like a penny to us. Meaningless.