ATOX Esports Cop Big Bans Over Match-Fixing Scandal

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has taken decisive action, announcing bans for ATOX Esports players, coaches, and analysts due to significant integrity breaches. The penalties range from eight months to indefinite bans, marking a critical moment in the ongoing effort to uphold fair play within the esports ecosystem.

Key Individuals Affected

The bans specifically impact several noteworthy members of ATOX Esports, including:

Gan-Erdene “dobu” Batbold (Lifetime Ban)
Bat-Enkh “kabal” Batbayar (Lifetime Ban)
Munkhsaikhan “Zesta” Erdenebaatar (Eight-Month Ban)
Temuulen “MiQ” Byambadalai (One-Year Ban)
Otgonlhagva “AccuracyTG” Batjargal (Eight-Month Ban)
Tuguldur “FlyNN” Gansukh (Coach, Three-Year Ban)
Ana-Erdene “nuka” Baasantogtokh (Analyst, Lifetime Ban)

Nature of Violations

These rulings by ESIC were prompted by serious breaches of the anti-corruption code. A particularly critical finding was that Kabal, Dobu, and Nuka were involved in over 70 suspicious betting activities between late 2024 and March 2025, which reportedly linked to organized crime syndicates in China.

This marks a significant escalation in the investigation, which began in September 2024, following suspicions of match-fixing during ATOX’s unexpected 0-2 loss to Team Falcons in the ESL Pro League Season 20. Initial investigations uncovered incriminating evidence, including betting slips and suspicious correlations between IP addresses and betting accounts.

Prior Suspension

Though this is the first public announcement regarding the bans, ATOX Esports had already faced provisional suspension from all ESIC member events as of early March. Consequently, the team was disqualified from the BLAST Open Spring 2025, resulting in their replacement by The Huns Esports, despite ATOX’s earlier triumph in the BLAST Rising Asia Spring 2025.

Implications for the Players

While the majority of ATOX Esports members received severe penalties, AccuracyTG and Zesta received lenient sentences for failing to report the integrity breaches. It’s worth noting that other former ATOX members, Yalalt “yAmi” Oyunbileg and Tuvshintugs “Annihilation” Nyamdorj, who were active during the ESL Pro League Season 20, have not received any punishments but are currently under investigation.

This incident emphasizes the growing need for robust governance and ethical standards in the rapidly expanding esports industry. It serves as a cautionary tale for all teams and players involved, underscoring the significant risks associated with betting-related misconduct and the imperative to maintain integrity within competitive gaming.

By implementing stringent measures and ensuring accountability, the esports community can work towards a more transparent and fair competitive environment, ultimately fostering trust among players, fans, and stakeholders alike.

Conclusion

The situation with ATOX Esports is a pivotal reminder of the challenges facing the esports industry today. As regulations evolve and the stakes rise, maintaining integrity will be crucial to the sustainable growth of the sector. Stakeholders must remain vigilant and proactive in combating corruption to preserve the sanctity of competitive play.