Former Project X and MAJESTY owner gets lifetime ESIC ban for match-fixing and facilitating cheating

The esports watchdog has handed out an unprecedented sanction due to the seriousness of the breaches of its code of conduct.

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has placed a lifetime ban on Alexey Shyshko, the owner of several now-defunct esports teams, including Akuma, MAJESTY and Project X, for his involvement in “orchestrating match-fixing activities and facilitating cheating within various esports competitions.”

The ban follows an investigation launched in June 2021 into potential match-fixing and betting fraud involving Shyshko, who had allegedly placed "numerous bets on highly suspicious Project X matches". At the time, ESIC recommended that its member events should not accept Akuma (which featured several former Project X players), a team made up of more than three members of its roster, or any team associated with Shyshko until the investigation was concluded.

ESIC’s probe, which included information relayed by confidential sources, betting evidence and match analysis provided by experts, determined that Shyshko “engaged in activities that flagrantly and consistently violated the principles of fair play and integrity central to the ethos of esports.” These primarily involved instances of match-fixing and facilitating cheating.

“In one egregious incident, Mr. Shyshko was implicated in facilitating a match-fixing agreement during a Bulgarian LAN event, involving Team Majesty, which he owned and controlled,” ESIC said, in an apparent reference to Bellum Gens Elite Stara Zagora 2020, MAJESTY's only recorded LAN appearance in Bulgaria.

“This plan, executed between August 20, 2020, and December 2, 2020, involved the deliberate manipulation of match outcomes with the promise of financial gain for the participating players.

“In another disturbing instance, during the "Time of Bet Cup" event, Mr. Shyshko provided Team Majesty with an unfair advantage by enabling unauthorized communication methods, significantly compromising the integrity of the competition.”

ESIC noted that Shyshko did not contest the charges and accepted the sanction.

This is the first-ever lifetime ban issued by ESIC, which “reflects the seriousness of Mr. Shyshko’s offenses and serves as a strong deterrent to others who might contemplate similar violations.” He is barred from participating in ESIC member events in any capacity, as is any team or player he is associated with.

In connection with this case, four Ukrainian players, including former Akuma member Dmytro "⁠SENSEi⁠" Shvorak, were handed two-year bans last week. And, according to ESIC, “further investigations and potential prosecutions remain in progress."

Read more

ESIC suspends Ukrainian quartet for two years over match-fixing charges

The esports watchdog explained that it granted immunity to individuals who provided valuable assistance to the investigation, a decision that, it highlighted, “underscores ESIC's commitment to encouraging reporting of unethical behavior while ensuring the safety and anonymity of informants.”

"The rigorous investigation and subsequent sanctions imposed on Mr. Alexey Shyshko and associated individuals reflect our resolve to confront unethical behavior head-on and protect the essence of fair competition," ESIC added.

"ESIC remains vigilant and proactive in identifying and addressing threats to the integrity of esports. We continue to refine our monitoring and investigative processes, working collaboratively with teams, players, and event organizers to foster an environment where fair play is paramount.

"We encourage all stakeholders within the esports industry – players, teams, organizers, and fans – to join us in this important endeavor. By working together, we can create a landscape that not only values competitive excellence but also champions ethical conduct and respect for the rules."