TL;DR
- ESIC discovered CEO-level betting fraud involving Akuma’s core players from Project X
- Suspicious betting patterns detected through global monitoring network on multiple matches
- Jurisdictional limits prevented full investigation despite compelling evidence
- Professional players exposed tournament’s complete lack of anti-cheat measures
- 15 teams formally requested Valve intervention amid performance inconsistencies

The Esports Integrity Commission has compiled substantial proof indicating coordinated betting manipulation surrounding Akuma’s primary roster, whose members previously competed under the Project X banner.
Investigators allege they’ve identified direct ties between Project X chief executive Oleksandr Shyshko and wagering accounts that consistently profited from bets placed on his organization’s matches, including a highly questionable result during the Epic League CIS Regional Major Ranking tournament. This documented evidence package has been submitted to Valve Corporation for potential disciplinary measures.
ESIC refers evidence indicating potential match-fixing and betting fraud in RMR event to Valve.
ESIC has made a referral to Valve including substantial evidence indicating the existence of potential betting fraud in the CIS RMR event run by EPIC. Read: https://t.co/P90BBzeGkX pic.twitter.com/i34AkHvEzH — ESIC (@ESIC_Official) June 9, 2021
According to the commission’s findings, Shyshko placed remarkably accurate pre-match wagers predicting the outcome of the Virtus.pro versus Akuma confrontation. This particular match featured Akuma’s surprising victory over the world’s eighth-ranked squad. While star AWPer Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev and fellow professionals previously accused EPIC League and Akuma of employing cheating tactics during CIS RMR competitions, ESIC asserts the corruption extends beyond mere competitive advantages.
The commission’s investigation reveals Akuma’s core lineup previously participated in Project X matches where Shyshko successfully predicted outcomes through wagers. That organization was subsequently dissolved, yet the principal competitors now represent the Akuma brand. The executive maintains an active Counter-Strike: Global Offensive betting profile and has purportedly placed multiple bets on potentially compromised Project X contests, as uncovered through ESIC’s worldwide Suspicious Betting Alert Network monitoring system.
This pattern of suspicious betting activity represents one of the most significant integrity challenges facing competitive esports today. The global monitoring network operates through partnerships with licensed betting operators worldwide, tracking unusual wagering patterns that often indicate prior knowledge of match outcomes.
Because EPIC Esports Events, the entity responsible for organizing both Epic League and the Epicenter tournament series across CS:GO and Dota 2, doesn’t hold ESIC membership status, the oversight body lacks direct authority to impose sanctions. Instead, it transmitted its discoveries to Valve Software. ESIC additionally clarified that it would initiate formal investigative proceedings if granted proper jurisdictional authority.
“Although ESIC hasn’t conducted comprehensive examination into the specifics, scope, and authenticity of individual match-fixing incidents and those responsible, available intelligence strongly suggests this situation merits deeper scrutiny,” stated Ian Smith, the commission’s head official.
EPIC’s CIS regional major ranking competition suffered from numerous public disputes regarding competitive fairness. An apparent absence of integrity safeguards was highlighted by CS:GO professionals including s1mple, who vehemently condemned the EPIC league’s security deficiencies, noting the absence of “anti-cheat software, TeamSpeak recordings, match replays, or advance scheduling information.” These accusations gained further credibility through endorsements from NaVi’s strategic coach Andrey “B1ad3” Gorodenskiy and ForZe competitor Alexandr “zorte” Zagodyrenko, both asserting certainty that Akuma employed unfair advantages during their matches.
In response to the mounting community outrage, fifteen competing squads formalized their concerns through written documentation petitioning Valve to examine the allegations. The organizations contended that Akuma players “obtained live match intelligence from external sources through peripheral devices.” Shortly following this controversy, Akuma’s competitive performance demonstrated noticeable deterioration during matches, suffering defeats against Gambit Esports and Virtus.pro.
While Valve probably hasn’t commenced formal inquiries yet, ESIC’s discoveries strongly imply misconduct occurred throughout the tournament. For teams looking to improve their competitive integrity understanding, our Complete Guide offers comprehensive insights into maintaining fair play standards.
The absence of fundamental security measures in professional tournaments creates vulnerabilities that sophisticated bad actors can exploit. Organizations must implement comprehensive anti-cheat protocols, including voice communication monitoring and match replay systems, to ensure competitive fairness. Understanding proper Class Guide principles can help competitive players recognize when environmental conditions may compromise match integrity.
Action Checklist
- Verify tournament organizers implement comprehensive anti-cheat systems before participation
- Monitor for unusual betting line movements before major matches
- Document and report suspicious in-game behavior through official channels
- Review match replays and statistical anomalies for integrity verification
- Consult our Weapons Unlock guide for understanding legitimate progression systems
No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » ESIC claims it may have proof Akuma fixed match in Epic CIS RMR ESIC uncovers betting fraud evidence in CS:GO RMR event, forwards case to Valve for investigation
