Games

Multiple CS2 players handed lifetime bans by ESIC for match-fixing, betting

BBG News

A dark day for Mongolian Counter-Strike with seven individuals banned for breaches of integrity.

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has disqualified a number of Mongolian CS2 players from ATOX due to their connections with an illegal Chinese gambling network. This clandestine organization facilitated more than 70 transactions, some of which resulted in the team deliberately manipulating matches and violating rules regarding integrity.

Seven members of the ATOX team were given suspensions, with some allegedly involved in match manipulation dating back to 2024. Notable Mongolian players Gan-Erdene “dobu” Batbold and Bat-Enkh “kabal” Batbayar, who have spent over a decade competing in Counter-Strike, were issued permanent bans from the esports scene.

Two players banned for life; five others restricted in ATOX match-fixing rout

On May 15th, ESIC released a comprehensive 15-page report detailing their probe into questionable betting activities surrounding the ATOX team. The report mentions that accusations against ATOX were first made in late 2024, during an ESL Pro League Season 20 match between ATOX and Falcons.

An extensive analysis of the wagers on that game uncovered additional proof implicating ATOX, leading to ESIC’s decision to suspend the players as of March 5, without a specific end date. Notably, major tournament organizers such as ESL, BAST, and PGL have taken the commission’s side in this matter.

Approximately two and a half months later, ESIC (Esports Integrity Coalition) now possesses comprehensive information about the misconduct, which turned out to be more extensive than initially thought. In the end, the commission uncovered evidence suggesting that match-fixing was systemic among ATOX players and staff, taking place beyond the EPL S20 (Electronic Sports Professional League Season 20) and having ties to Chinese organized crime syndicates.

In the world of Mongolian sports, Dobu and Kabal, two prominent figures, were uncovered as leaders in a major operation. As reported by ESIC, these two allegedly worked together on strategies to manipulate matches and placed bets. They are also accused of providing funds to teammates to ensure their silence. Consequently, both have been given permanent bans from the sport.

Analyst Ana-Erdene “nuka” Baasantogtokh of ATOX was given a permanent ban for predominantly placing 70 bets and intentionally supplying deceptive or ambiguous in-game strategies to guarantee outcomes that matched illicit gambling schemes.

In this scenario, players Temuulen “MiQ” Byambadalai, Otgonlkhagva “AccuracyTG” Batjargal, and Munkhsaikhan “Zesta” Erdenebaatar received bans ranging from eight months to a year due to not revealing information about match-fixing. Additionally, the team’s coach and CEO, Tuguldur “flyNN” Gansuk, was given a three-year ban for negligence in this matter.

The commission states that any information or engagement regarding suspicious betting activities, which could potentially harm the fairness of competitions, should be shared promptly with the ESIC to minimize damage. It’s important to note that not reporting such activities is not acceptable.

According to ESIC, it was after the presentation of evidence that Dobu, Kabal, and Nuka made their confessions. This evidence included phone conversations, audio recordings, and chat logs, which collectively pointed towards the team’s guilt.

Tuvshintugs “Annihilation” Nyamdorj and Yalalt “yAmi” Oyunbileg were the only ones in their squad who didn’t receive any punishment, but ESIC also announced they were being investigated alongside Chinese player Song “xiaosaGe” Peng as part of a “Related Party Investigation.

Starting in February, ATOX was barred from participating in any significant tournaments. This is a gloomy turn of events for the Mongolian gaming community, considering that dobu and kabal were trailblazers in the region. These two players gained recognition as members of TheMongolZ all the way back in 2016.

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2025-05-15 16:10

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