StarCraft 2 Match Fixing: Players Would get up to $20K Each

According to reports, multiple arrests and lifetime bans have been handed down in Korea as part of allegations of match-fixing and illegal gambling related to StarCraft II competitive play. Two of the financial backers arrested were ex-gangsters who provided the money, which was then used for betting on illegal websites, according to Team Liquid. Another named is Choi “YoDa” Byung Hyun, a pro gamer and member of Prime.

The Changwon Regional Prosecutor’s Office and Korean e-Sports Association eventually realized YoDa purposely lost four matches, receiving $26,000 as compensation. Gerrard received approximately $8,900 to have YoDa lose one of his matches.

BBoongBBoong is accused of receiving 5m KRW to throw a match in the SKT Proleague. It was this year that Daniele Bracciali and Potito Starace were banned for life for fixing matches in Tennis.

“Since 2010, the association has worked alongside the rest of the industry to fight against the illegal betting that has continued to threaten the foundation of e-Sports”, KeSPA posted (as translated by TeamLiquid.net).

Along with the announcements, KeSPA has stated that they will also “pursue strong legal measures” against those found to be involved, as they would like to establish a “zero-compromise” stance against illegal betting with the eSports community.

About 12 professional players were banned for life from the game and arrests were also made in South Korea which was, once again, the center of the scandal. Playing Blizzard’s strategy game at the top level requires both tactical nous and physical fitness, with extremely fast reflexes needed to micro-manage units and input up to five actions every second. But, just as the world of professional sports is rife with stories of corruption and cheating, so too can the world of eSports be a dark and tainted place.