Scandals in Dota 2
Dota 2, one of the most popular eSports disciplines in the world, has not been without scandals. Some of them have had a significant impact on the community and the industry as a whole.
“322” – Bets and fixed matches
One of the most famous scandals in Dota 2 is associated with player Alexey “Solo” Berezina and the incident known as “322”. In 2013, Solo, playing for the RoX.KIS team, made a bet of $322 on his team’s defeat in a match against the zRage team. This incident caused a storm of indignation in the community. Solo was suspended from tournaments, and the RoX.KIS team was disqualified for a month. This scandal was one of the first and most famous cases of match-fixing in eSports. Later, the proven Hajper Casino se appeared, where you can make sports bets and gamble at the same time.
Shanghai Major 2016 – Organizational chaos
The Shanghai Major 2016 became known not only for its games, but also for its organizational chaos. Mismanagement, poor conditions for players, numerous technical problems and questionable decisions by the administration caused widespread outrage. One of the most memorable moments was the firing of host James “2GD” Harding on air, which caused a storm of indignation among viewers and players. This incident became a prime example of how poor organization can overshadow a major event.
The International 2018 – Transphobic Controversy
A major controversy erupted at The International 2018, involving transphobic language from player Carlo “Kuku” Palad. In a match against a Chinese team, he used a derogatory word, causing an uproar in the Chinese Dota 2 community. Valve decided to disqualify Kuku and his team TNC Predator from participating in subsequent tournaments, sparking widespread discussion and controversy in the community. The incident highlighted the importance of respectful behavior and the unacceptability of discriminatory language in esports.
Harassment Allegations – Grant “GranDGranT” Harris Scandal
In 2020, the esports community was rocked by sexual harassment allegations against several high-profile individuals, including caster and streamer Grant “GranDGranT” Harris. Following multiple allegations, Harris was fired from the Evil Geniuses organization and banned from the professional Dota 2 scene entirely. The scandal sparked widespread discussions about sexual assault and harassment in the esports industry, prompting many organizations to rethink their safety and behavior policies.
The Dota 2 scandals not only reflect the problems and challenges facing the esports industry, but also highlight the need for transparency, accountability, and respect in the community. These four cases are just the tip of the iceberg, but they clearly show that esports, like any other industry, needs constant improvement and strict adherence to ethical standards.
