Many players have tried to cheat the DOTA 2 system, with notable examples being Alexey “Solo” Berezin and Hsien Wan “Lance” Fua. These players attempted to manipulate match outcomes for money, but their actions didn’t go unnoticed. Following their infamous attempts, many others have tried to replicate such tricks, only to be met with Valve’s strict regulations and severe consequences.
Despite these measures, the allure of easy money on any betting site for DOTA 2 fixtures has continued to tempt some players. Below is a list of the most high-profile Dota 2 matches where the players attempted to rig the system but ultimately faced the repercussions.
How Did 322 Matches Originate?
The term “322” in the Dota 2 community has become synonymous with match-fixing and throwing games. The origin of this term dates back to 2013, during a StarLadder tournament match between RoX.KIS and zRage. Alexey Solo Berezin, a professional player for RoX.KIS, placed a bet against his team, wagering $100 on their loss. The odds were such that if RoX.KIS lost, Solo would win $322. Unfortunately for Solo, his actions were discovered, sparking a scandal that rocked the community.
Solo’s actions resulted in a lifetime ban from StarLadder events to discourage others who may follow suit. The number “322” quickly became a community meme, representing any suspicious or questionable gameplay that suggested match-fixing.
Top High-Profile Rigged Matches in Dota 2
Since the first rigged DOTA 2 fixture in 2013, many players and teams have also tried to fix match results. The reasons why may vary, but it’s typically to make money through illegal bets. The most popular incidents where this has happened are as follows.
Arrow Gaming (2014)
In 2014, Yi Liong “ddz” Kok and Hsien Wan “Lance” Fua, were caught red-handed in a match-fixing scheme during the Summit 2 tournament. The investigation, conducted by Beyond the Summit and the betting site Dota 2 Lounge, revealed that affiliates of the team had placed high-value bets against them. The outcome was disqualification from the tournament and a ban from all Valve-sponsored tournaments. The players’ careers effectively ended, and the reputation of Arrow Gaming was tarnished beyond repair.
Team DK (2014)
During the WPC ACE Dota 2 League, Team DK, which boasted some of the biggest names in the industry, found themselves under scrutiny. Accusations of match-fixing surfaced, suggesting that its players had intentionally lost fixtures for betting purposes. Extensive investigation followed, and while not all players were found guilty, the case cast a long shadow over Team DK’s legacy. This was a stark reminder that even the most celebrated teams are not immune to the temptations of unethical behaviour.
Team Redemption (2015)
Team Redemption was formed from Arrow Gaming due to the reputational stain of the 2014 incident. Unfortunately, the group found itself embroiled in yet another scandal, with players already banned for previous infractions caught again rigging outcomes. With irrefutable evidence, the repeated offences by the same players led to permanent bans, while highlighting the persistent issue of rigged matches in the Dota 2 realm. It’s shown that many gamers cannot resist the temptation that comes with participating in esports tournaments.
iG Vitality (2017)
The Chinese team iG Vitality faced accusations of match-fixing during the Dota 2 Professional League. Although the evidence was not conclusive, the incident raised significant concerns about the integrity of the matches. The team’s performance in certain games appeared suspicious, leading to widespread speculation and scrutiny. While no definitive action was taken against the players, the controversy served as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining fair play in competitive gaming.
Thunder Predator (2018)
Thunder Predator was a South American side disqualified from The International 2018 South America Qualifiers after being found guilty of using a macro script during their matches. This form of cheating allowed players to execute complex commands with a single keystroke, giving them an unfair advantage. The discovery led to the team’s immediate disqualification and a ban from the tournament. The incident highlighted the various ways in which gamers might attempt to gain an edge through unethical means. It also reinforced the need for strict enforcement of rules and regulations to ensure a level playing field for all competitors.
Newbee (2020)
Once a celebrated team with a prestigious history, including a victory at The International 2014, Newbee’s fall from grace was dramatic. In 2020, they were found guilty of match-fixing during a StarLadder tournament in China. The scandal involved several popular players, including former TI winners. Investigations revealed that the team had deliberately thrown matches. Consequently, Newbee received lifetime bans from all Valve events, and the players involved faced severe repercussions. This showed that Valve could not rest on its laurels in its challenge against fraudulent gaming.
Team Orca (2022)
In a shocking turn of events, ten players from Team Orca were banned for life from Dota 2 events due to match-fixing in the DPC SEA 2021/22 season. Findings uncovered a well-coordinated effort to manipulate match outcomes, with players involved placing bets on their matches and intentionally losing to profit from the wagers. Apart from lifetime expulsions, this case also raised serious concerns about the prevalence of match-fixing in the Southeast Asian esports scene. It reinforced the need for strict regulations and vigilant oversight.
How Does Valve Handle Match-Fixing Scandals?
Valve takes game manipulation very seriously and subsequently metes out severe punishments to any player found guilty. Check out how the corporation typically addresses rigged matches:
- Investigation: When suspicions of match-fixing arise, Valve conducts thorough investigations. This often involves reviewing game footage, analyzing betting patterns, and gathering evidence from various sources. They may also collaborate with third-party organizations like the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) to ensure a comprehensive investigation. When necessary, the investigation may be corroborated by legitimate betting sites like GGBet.
- Evidence Gathering: Valve relies on concrete evidence to make its decisions. This includes chat logs, transaction records, and any other relevant information that can prove the involvement of players or teams in match-fixing. The goal is to ensure that any actions taken are based on solid proof.
- Penalties: Once sufficient evidence is gathered, the company imposes strict penalties on those found guilty of match-fixing. These penalties can include lifetime bans from all Valve-sponsored events, disqualification from tournaments, and the forfeiture of prize money. The severity of the punishment serves as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in similar activities.
- Transparency: Valve is committed to maintaining transparency in its handling of match-fixing cases. They often release public statements detailing the findings of their investigations and the actions taken. This helps to maintain the integrity of the competitive scene and assures the community that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
- Ongoing Monitoring: The organization continues to monitor the competitive scene for any signs of match-fixing. They work closely with tournament organizers, betting houses, and other stakeholders to identify and promptly address any suspicious activities.
Players Rarely Get Away With Rigged Matches in DOTA 2
From lifetime bans to prize money forfeiture, match-fixers pay heavily for their attempts. Therefore, many players are discouraged from trying to rig results. However, some go ahead anyway but without much success. Thanks to 24/7 supervision on Valve’s part and the willingness of all involved stakeholders to aid investigations at all times.