Scandals and Dramas in Dota 2: The Most Notorious Conflicts Between Players and Organisations

Dota 2 has always been more than just a game—it’s an intense battlefield where rivalries, controversies, and behind-the-scenes power struggles unfold. From internal team disputes to allegations of match-fixing, the professional scene has seen its fair share of scandals. This article explores some of the most dramatic conflicts that have rocked the Dota 2 world.

Internal Conflicts in Top Teams: Betrayals and Unexpected Transfers

Player transfers and internal tensions have always been part of Dota 2’s competitive scene. While some roster changes are amicable, others have led to major scandals and public fallouts.

One of the most infamous incidents involved OG’s former carry, Ana, who temporarily retired in 2017, leaving the team scrambling for a replacement. However, his return later disrupted the new roster, causing tensions within the squad. OG’s ability to bounce back and win two consecutive TI championships was remarkable, but behind the scenes, emotions ran high.

Another dramatic moment was Arteezy’s notorious switch between Evil Geniuses and Team Secret. After EG’s TI5 victory, Arteezy joined Secret, only to return to EG months later. This move created rifts between the two organisations, with fans speculating about internal disagreements and contract disputes.

The Fallout of Kuku’s Racial Slur Incident

Carlo “Kuku” Palad of TNC Predator found himself at the centre of controversy when he made a racist remark in a public match. The backlash from the Chinese Dota 2 community was severe, leading to tournament organisers and even Valve stepping in to address the situation.

Initially, TNC attempted to cover for Kuku, stating that his ban from the Chongqing Major was a misunderstanding. However, leaked reports suggested that the Chinese government had intervened, pressuring organisers to take action. Valve’s response—levying a heavy fine on TNC—was seen as an attempt to balance fairness with diplomatic concerns.

The incident highlighted the increasing influence of external factors in esports, with teams now needing to navigate cultural sensitivities alongside competitive pressures.

False Match-Fixing Allegations and Their Impact on Players’ Careers

Match-fixing scandals have plagued Dota 2, but false accusations can be just as damaging as real ones. Several professional players have seen their reputations destroyed due to unproven claims.

One of the most controversial cases involved Solo from Virtus.pro. Early in his career, he was accused of throwing a match for a mere $322—an amount that became a meme in the Dota 2 community. Despite later redeeming himself and leading Virtus.pro to multiple championships, the stigma of the “322 scandal” followed him for years.

Similarly, Chinese player xiao8 faced allegations of match-fixing based on unverified leaks. While investigations never confirmed the claims, they affected his credibility, causing him to step back from competitive play.

Can Accusations Be Weaponised? The Case of Newbee

Newbee, once a respected TI-winning organisation, was permanently banned from all Valve-sanctioned events due to match-fixing allegations. However, former players claimed they were unfairly targeted and that the evidence was inconclusive.

The case raised concerns about due process in esports. Unlike traditional sports, where legal frameworks govern disciplinary actions, esports relies heavily on publisher-driven rulings, which can sometimes lack transparency.

With careers on the line, the lack of a formal appeals process in Dota 2 remains a significant issue, leaving players vulnerable to allegations that may or may not be true.

The Role of Valve in Resolving Disputes and Scandals

Valve, the developer of Dota 2, has historically taken a hands-off approach to managing esports controversies. However, certain incidents have forced the company to intervene.

One of Valve’s most notable interventions came during the “pausing scandal” at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur Major, where teams abused the pause function to gain unfair advantages. Following an outcry from the community, Valve updated its rules, clarifying acceptable in-game behaviour.

In the case of the OG and T1 coaching dispute, where a coach allegedly leaked team strategies, Valve chose not to take a firm stance, leaving it to tournament organisers to decide. This inconsistency in rulings has frustrated players and fans alike.

Should Valve Have a More Active Role in Esports Governance?

Compared to other esports like Riot Games’ League of Legends, which has a structured governing body, Dota 2 lacks a dedicated regulatory framework. This decentralised approach has led to issues with player contracts, conflict resolution, and fairness in tournament rulings.

Many believe that Valve should implement a more transparent system, similar to FIFA or the NBA, to ensure fair play and protect players from unjust punishments.

Until then, controversies will continue to be an unavoidable part of Dota 2, making the competitive scene both unpredictable and endlessly dramatic.