Dawid Sławiński

English Version: Our decision on the Reveal case We have completed our review of the match between Reveal and BIG Academy. After evaluating the evidence and conducting a detailed analysis, we have concluded that DGL and Rand intentionally worked to ensure a loss. DGL and Rand are suspended from the DACH CS Masters for two years. The suspensions will end on November 1, 2028; as of that date, both will be eligible to participate again, provided there are no further suspensions. Reveal is disqualified. We are not imposing a suspension on Hyper1, as the available evidence is insufficient. All of Reveal’s matches this season are annulled. Reveal is placed tenth and forfeits its prize money for this season as well as its slot. The team will therefore not be relegated to SPK2 but will be removed from the league. We are aware that we previously communicated a different decision. We would therefore like to explain what led to this decision and which questions remain unanswered. What has changed since our last update ESIC had informed us that the information available at the time was insufficient to initiate formal proceedings regarding the match-fixing allegations. However, this did not conclusively resolve the question of whether matches were intentionally thrown, which was part of our own sports-related investigation. We did not make this distinction clear enough in our communication. We have since conducted an additional analysis of the game. In doing so, we evaluated the scenes in question within the context of the game and took the players’ explanations into account. The analysis reveals significant deviations from typical movement patterns and behaviors in comparable game situations. Other matches involving the players in question in our league were also taken into account. Team communication was also considered: What was discussed in the respective situations, how were actions subsequently taken, and how does this differ from comparable situations in other matches? Unusual or poor play alone would not be sufficient grounds for a suspension in our view. The decisive factors are the repeated deviations, their connection to communication, and the direct comparison with their usual gameplay behavior. Together with the statements from those involved and the remaining evidence, this paints a clear picture for us regarding DGL and Rand. In our view, the actions that have come to light can no longer plausibly be explained, taken as a whole, as oversights or poor decisions. For similar cases in the future, we are establishing a council consisting of at least two former professional players to assist us with their expertise and judgment. Why DGL and Rand are suspended for two years Section 10.1.3 of our rules explicitly prohibits intentionally throwing rounds. It is not necessary to provide additional proof of betting winnings or payments for this violation. Anyone who intentionally loses harms their own teammates and interferes with the competition among all other teams. Results, standings, and qualification for the next phases must be based on both teams wanting to win. In determining the duration of the suspensions, we are guided by previous decisions regarding violations of similar severity. Two years correspond to a total of four seasons. Given the severity of the violation and the repeated, deliberate nature of the actions, we consider this duration to be appropriate. The binding end date for the suspensions is November 1, 2028. The suspensions are based on the established fact of intentional throwing. We are not holding the players additionally accountable for possible betting fraud, as this has not yet been proven. Our decision is therefore independent of the outcome of the ongoing investigation into a possible betting connection. The suspensions apply to the DACH CS Masters. This is our decision; it is not a suspension imposed by ESIC or one that automatically applies worldwide. Why Hyper1 is not being suspended We have also reviewed the allegations against Hyper1. There were significantly fewer questionable incidents involving him. However, the number alone does not determine whether we suspend someone. In Hyper1’s case, the available evidence is insufficient to establish intentional throwing. Therefore, he will not be suspended. The fact that we reached a different conclusion regarding DGL and Rand is not evidence against him. Why Reveal is disqualified and what this means for the season Section 11.4.1 of our rulebook provides for disqualification in cases of serious rule violations. We are basing Reveal’s disqualification on this provision. Two players intentionally worked to ensure a loss for the team in an official match. This violation has direct consequences for the competition and, in our view, also requires consequences for the team. We are not implying that the other players or the organization were involved in the manipulation. We are aware that the disqualification nevertheless affects them as well. Given the severity of the violation, we nevertheless consider the team’s disqualification to be necessary. We have considered alternatives such as point deductions, mandatory relegation, or simply striking previous matches from the record. In this case, however, we do not see a sufficiently concrete basis for these solutions in the rules. Disqualification for a serious rule violation, on the other hand, is expressly provided for. For the current season, our decision means: - All Reveal matches will be canceled and removed from the standings. The standings will be adjusted accordingly. - The remaining matches against Reveal are canceled. - Reveal finishes the season in tenth place and forfeits its right to prize money. - Reveal loses its participation license and league slot. There will be no relegation to SPK2; the team will be removed from the league. The cancellation of all matches is a sporting consequence of the disqualification. It does not mean that we have detected manipulation in all other Reveal matches as well. What remains unclear regarding Match-Fixing We have identified instances of intentional throwing. Whether betting, financial gain, or collusion with third parties were involved remains unclear. This is important for context because “match-fixing” and “match manipulation” are often used interchangeably. When we refer to a confirmed violation here, we are referring to intentional throwing. We are not, however, alleging betting fraud. The ESIC Integrity Program, incorporated via Section 1.4.1, also distinguishes between different types of violations: The Code of Conduct covers, among other things, manipulation for impermissible strategic or tactical reasons; betting and corruption violations are addressed in the Anti-Corruption Code. We have since analyzed additional publicly available Polymarket data and forwarded it to ESIC. The anomalies found therein require further investigation. So far, we have been unable to link specific betting accounts to players or establish a financial motive. Should betting or corruption violations be confirmed, ESIC could impose further sanctions—including a lifetime ban—in a separate proceeding. Whether this will happen remains to be seen and is beyond our control. We remain in contact with ESIC and will provide an update as soon as there is reliable new information. Our current decision does not conclude this part of the case. Tips and evidence can still be submitted to support the investigation. Regarding the announced boycotts We understand the teams’ concerns and take the criticism of our communication seriously. Our decision is based on the completed sports review and the available evidence. The announced boycotts were not a deciding factor in this decision. As previously announced to the SPK1/2 teams, starting next season, we will sanction the deliberate refusal to play scheduled matches in order to force a league decision with disqualification and license revocation. We will publish the exact wording and procedure after the end of the season and before the next registration period. Criticism, joint statements, and appeals remain possible, of course. The rule does not apply retroactively. We should have communicated the status of our review more clearly earlier. We take responsibility for this. Please remain objective in any criticism and do not hold uninvolved players or organization staff responsible for the conduct of DGL and Rand. Statement from @RVMultigaming: "We accept the decision of the DACH CS Masters and the consequences it entails for us. The assessment of the match against BIG Academy is up to the league and ESIC. We ourselves cannot definitively determine what happened in detail. One thing is clear to us: intentionally losing matches has no place in esports. We have cooperated with the league and ESIC from the very beginning and have parted ways with the two players involved. According to the league’s investigation and to the best of our knowledge, no one else from the team or organization was involved. We apologize to the league, all teams, and spectators for the damage caused to the competition. We would like to thank our remaining players, who had nothing to do with any of this and yet were subjected to massive hostility.” ------------------------------------------ This is only a translation of our statement. Only the original version is binding!