Match-fixing is not a new thing in the world of esports. Recently, we’ve seen allegations surface against the professional Dota 2 player Tommy “Taiga” Le for being involved in a Russian match-fixing scandal.
Counter-Strike 2 is no stranger to match-fixing scandals either. According to reports from various sources, CS2 pro Erkhan “gokushima” Bagynanov has been handed a two-year suspension by the ESIC (Esports Integrity Commission) for being involved in match-fixing. The ban prevents the 23-year-old from participating in any ESIC-sanctioned event.
The ban came into effect just days before FORZE announced benching its entire roster on April 2, 2024. Gokushima played his final match with FORZE on the very day he was banned.
Despite the setback, the team has persevered, competing in both the Skyesports Masters and ESL Challenger League, with a substitute stepping in for gokushima, alongside the other benched teammates.
Fans of the game have expressed their concerns regarding whether a two-year ban constitutes a sufficient punishment for such a serious offense. The question of whether the Russian professional will resume his career after the suspension expires in two years remains to be seen.
