6 March 2025
The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has issued a formal three-year ban against professional esports player Ilya “Ganginho” Chernychenko following an extensive investigation into corruption and betting-related violations.
Background of Investigation and Findings
ESIC received a credible report via its affiliate network denoting various allegations against Mr. Chernychenko. In responding to the report, ESIC:
- Queried its Suspicious Bet Alert Network;
- Requested information from parties relevant to the allegations;
- Collated an evidence brief;
- Analysed betting data in conjunction with tournament participation information retrieved; and
- Traced activity to assess whether the activity was that of Mr. Chernychenko (including but not limited to browser, account information, IP, cookie data).
The evidence collected by ESIC showed:
- Bets placed on Team Next Level matches – Reports indicate a total of 390 Counter-Strike bets placed via accounts tied directly to Mr. Chernychenko, including significant bets on matches involving his team. This conduct resulted in winnings totalling approximately $20,000.
- Account linkage – Investigation in partnership with ESIC’s Anti-Corruption Supporters confirms betting activity was conducted through accounts linked to Mr. Chernychenko via shared IP addresses, device identifiers, and other unique digital markers.
Breaches of ESIC Integrity Program
Based on the evidence collected by ESIC, Mr. Chernychenko was found to have engaged in multiple breaches of ESIC’s Anti-Corruption Code and Code of Conduct, including but not limited to:
Anti-Corruption Code Breaches:
- 2.1.1 Corruption – Engaging in improper influence over matches, including betting-related conduct.
- 2.2.1 Betting – Placing bets on matches within your own professional circuit, including betting on your own team.
- 2.3.1 Misuse of Inside Information – Using confidential competitive information for betting purposes.
- 2.4.4 & 2.4.5 Failure to Disclose Corrupt Conduct – Failing to report knowledge of corruption or suspicious activity.
Code of Conduct Breaches:
- 2.2.8 Match Manipulation – Engaging in match manipulation for improper strategic or financial gain.
- 2.3.4 Bringing Esports into Disrepute – Conduct detrimental to the reputation of esports and its stakeholders.
- 2.5.5 & 2.5.6 Failure to Disclose & Suspicion of Improper Conduct – Failing to disclose corrupt practices and engaging in behaviour raising suspicion of integrity violations.
Sanction Outcome
As a result of these violations, Mr. Chernychenko has been banned from all ESIC-affiliated events for three years, effective 7 December 2024 until 6 December 2027. During this period, he is prohibited from participating in any official capacity—including as a player, coach, manager, or broadcaster—at any ESIC-recognized event.
ESIC has also referred this case to relevant game publishers and tournament organizers, including Valve and Riot Games, who may impose additional restrictions.
ESIC remains committed to maintaining integrity in esports and urges all participants to uphold the highest standards of fair play and transparency.
The Esports Integrity Commission is a not-for-profit members’ association established in 2015 with an official website at ‘www.esic.gg’