What is Esports Match-Fixing?

Esports is constantly growing in popularity, with new tournaments and leagues popping up all over the world.

Unfortunately, as the industry grows, so too does the potential for match-fixing.

In this post, we’ll take a look at what esports match-fixing is, and what can be done to prevent it.

What is Esports Match-Fixing?

Match-fixing is when players or teams deliberately lose games for financial gain.

This can be done in a number of ways, such as betting on the other team to win or agreeing to throw a game in exchange for money or other prizes.

Why is it a Problem?

Match-fixing can have a number of negative consequences for the esports industry. Some of them are:

Undermining the legitimacy of the sport

If people believe that matches are being fixed, they may be less likely to watch or bet on them.

This can lead to decreased interest and investment in esports overall.

Possibility of creating an uneven playing field

Match-fixing can create an uneven playing field, as some teams or players may be able to buy their way to victory. This can discourage others from competing, as they feel they cannot win fairly.

Finally, match-fixing can have serious legal implications. In some countries, it is considered a form of gambling and can be punishable by law. This could lead to players and teams being banned from competing and could damage the reputation of esports as a whole.

What Can be Done to Prevent Esports Match-Fixing?

There are a number of strategies that can be used to prevent match-fixing in esports. These include strict rules and regulations around betting, ensuring players understand the consequences of gambling, and providing support for those at risk of being involved in match-fixing.

Additionally, steps can be taken to improve transparency within the industry, such as releasing more detailed statistics on player performance and team rankings. Ultimately, by working together as an esports community, we can help protect the integrity of this growing and exciting sport.

3 Match Fixing Esports Scandals

KeSPA Event in South Korea – 2015

The event that took place in South Korea, where 11 Starcraft players were found guilty of match-fixing, is often considered the first big esports match-fixing scandal. The fact that there were players engaged who were regarded as some of Starcraft’s top guns was the main reason this got into the mainstream media in such a short time. As a consequence of the investigations, KeSPA has permanently barred some players from pro-gaming.

CEVO Professional Season 5 – 2015

In 2015, five Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players from iBUYPOWER were found guilty of match-fixing. As a result, the players were banned from competitive play and received prison sentences. This was the first major CS GO match fixing scandal in the world.

An LMS midlaner was given a lifetime ban from LOL – 2022

After incriminating messages emerged showing him to be match fixing, a Chinese League of Legends pro was banned from all Riot Games and Tencent competitions for life after he admitted his guilt.

On April 6, LGD Gaming’s midlaner Chen “Jay” Bo was reported to the LPL by his team, and after a brief investigation, he has now been fined.

Conclusion

While match-fixing is still a problem in esports, it is clear that there are steps being taken to prevent it.  Ultimately, by working together as an esports community, we can help protect the integrity of this growing and exciting sport.

Furthermore, by raising awareness around the issue and taking steps to prevent esports match-fixing, we can ensure that esports continues to thrive well into the future.