The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has once again descended from up high to deliver its righteous judgment.

This time, they’ve cracked down on betting violations and match-fixing – issues that have long plagued the jungle that is tier 3/4 Counter-Strike. Their targets? Ukrainian player Ganginho and the Mongolian team ATOX.

According to a press release, ESIC obtained evidence that the former Sangal and TNL player had placed 390 bets through accounts directly linked to him in multiple ways. These included “significant bets” on matches involving TNL, resulting in winnings of “approximately $20,000”.

For this, ESIC handed Ganginho a three-year ban, barring him from participating in any ESIC-partnered events in any role. The only problem? He announced his retirement back in October, meaning the ban will most likely have zero actual consequences for him. It seems likely he saw this coming, took the stolen bag, and retired before the fallout. Another ESIC efficiency masterclass.

Over in Mongolia, ATOX has also felt the sting of ESIC's wrath, being disqualified from both BLAST Lisbon and PGL Bucharest’s Closed Qualifier due to being “subject to a provisional suspension from all ESIC member events”, as announced by BLAST. While ESIC has yet to officially comment on the situation, rumors are circulating that ATOX is suspected of match-fixing in a match during EPL Season 20.

Now, this sets a dangerous precedent. If a team is being disqualified from key tournaments, which could severely impact their chances of qualifying for the Major, ESIC must have a strong case against them. If it turns out that ATOX is innocent, the damage will already be done. ‘Guilty until proven innocent’ - isn’t that how it goes?

On one hand, it’s refreshing to see ESIC take a firm stand against the plague of betting-related violations and match-fixing. However, it would be nice to see a bit more efficiency and transparency from them in the process.