ESIC bans retired player

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has issued a three-year ban to former Counter-Strike pro Ilya "Ganginho" Chernychenko for corruption and betting violations. The ban will run from December 7, 2024, through December 6, 2027.

ESIC's investigation uncovered about 390 Counter-Strike bets placed through accounts linked to Ganginho, including wagers on matches involving his own team, Team Next Level. These betting activities reportedly earned him around $20,000 USD in winnings.

Digital evidence connected the betting accounts directly to Ganginho through shared IP addresses and device identifiers. ESIC determined that Ganginho violated several rules including corruption through match influence, betting within his professional circuit, using insider information, and failing to report corrupt behavior.

During the ban period, Ganginho is prohibited from participating as a player, coach, manager, or broadcaster at any ESIC-recognized events. ESIC has also referred the case to game publishers like Valve and Riot Games, who may impose additional restrictions.

What makes this case particularly notable is that Ganginho had already retired from competitive Counter-Strike in October 2024. This timing has drawn massive ridicule, with many questioning the practical impact of banning someone who is no longer active in the scene. The community has largely mocked ESIC's decision on social media, pointing out that sanctioning a retired player serves little purpose as a deterrent.