Solo stated that match-fixing should now result in a lifetime ban.
In the Smol Talk podcast, streamer Alexey “Solo” Berezin discussed his ban for “322,” his contact with Dota 2 developer IceFrog, and shared his current views on match-fixing.
On the ban for “322” and his contact with IceFrog
I was extremely lucky to get off with just a scare and a one-year ban, because it was my first offense. No one knew how to react.
That’s when I first got in touch with IceFrog—I found his Skype and messaged him, asking what the consequences would be for me regarding this incident. We chatted, and he replied that the whole thing was being handled outside of Valve.
His response was also evasive. I asked him about me personally, and he gave a general answer: “We haven’t banned anyone from The International series tournaments.” That’s when I realized that maybe I could bring this whole story back into the spotlight.
On Why There Are No Excuses for “322” Now
I believe a permanent ban for match-fixing is an absolutely fair punishment given the current reality. It’s the only right way to at least try to eradicate this problem, even though doing so is very difficult or practically impossible. Anyone who even thinks about doing this should know that their career will end that very same day.
That’s why I’m lucky: I got off scot-free, came out of it unscathed, and even gained some media attention. A lot of people wanted to visit my Twitch channel back then, type “322,” and have a laugh at the situation. I took it in stride with the help of my friends and colleagues, because we started streaming together and laughing about the whole thing. <…>
Nowadays, any esports player—even a Tier 3 player—has the opportunity to live comfortably off the money they earn from their profession. If you want to make some extra money that way, it won’t be because you’re short on money to get by, but because of greed. I strongly disapprove of this. Esports has reached a point where all you need is an internet connection and a mediocre computer to make a name for yourself and achieve great results. You should cherish this opportunity and pursue that dream—if you have one—rather than squander it on cheap stunts.
In early September, ESIC imposed a lifetime ban on Juan David “Vintage” Angulo Nicho and suspended Oswaldo Gonzalo “DarkMago” Herrera Martínez for five years. Former LGD Gaming mid-laner Santiago Gustavo “TaiLung” Olivos Agüero received a temporary suspension from ESIC in late August—though the player intends to return to esports and compete at The International.
Photo: Alexey “Solo” Berezin.
