ESIC bans three players as part of NA MDL Match-fixing Investigation

The Esports Integrity Commission has issued sanctions against three players as part of its NA MDL match-fixing investigation.  Former Rebirth players Sebastian “retchy” and Kevin “4pack” Przypasniak have received five-year bans for their role in the match-fixing scandal.

The duo’s ban durations start from April 2021 as they had received 4-month suspensions. The duo were in the spotlight after a recording of a conversation between them and Carson ‘nosrac’ O’Reilly was out in public. The recording shows the three players discussing ways to fix ESEA MDL matches.

While ESIC has handed 5-year bans to the duo, the esports watchdog also made it clear the players are still part of a wider investigation. The recently announced 5-year bans might not be the final outcome for the various players involved.

ESIC began an investigation into manipulation of match outcomes in the ESEA MDL Season 35 in early 2021. During the course of the investigation, the Commission received a recording, a transcript and other evidence of a conversation between two Rebirth players. The conversation involved three members of the team (players mentioned above) as well as two members from Russian Canadians. The recording was published to the public domain in April 2021. 

Previously, ESIC was treating this case as part of a broader investigation. However, after the recording went public, ESIC decided to investigate this matter and reach an earlier outcome in public interest. Today’s sanctions are a part of this investigation, although the larger investigation is still underway and may result in additional punishments, says ESIC.

The ban determinations will have effect across ESL, DreamHack, WePlay, BLAST, LVP, Nodwin, Eden, Relog, UCC, Allied, Kronoverse, Estars and 247 Leagues.

ESIC is also conducting a broader investigation against 34 individuals for breaches of the Anti-Corruption Code. Most of these individuals are involved in the wrongful activities, including cases of NA MDL match-fixing, during their participation in the ESEA Premier: North America. The Esports Integrity Commission is also working with law enforcement on some areas of investigation. 

ESIC believes organized crime groups and foreign betting syndicates were involved in fraudulent activities during ESEA Season 35: North America. ESIC says it will provide updates relating to this matter through the newly established Open Investigations Register as part of ESIC’s Transparency Initiative.

Here are the sanctions that are a part of the today’s announcement:

ESIC will provide an update on claims that HUNDEN Shared sensitive strategy information from Heroic’s playbook on August 25, 2021. 

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