Valorant Challengers 2024 Spain: Rising Consolidation Tournament
Ruling
TL;DR
Dmitriy "xitsu" Epishkin (“xitsu”, Player for Axolotl) breached Art. 3.14 of the Riot Games Esports Global Code of Conduct (hereinafter referred to as the “Code'') for attempting to engage in match-fixing. Consequently, xitsu is suspended for three years (3) from any association or affiliation with a team in a Riot-sanctioned competition, effective immediately. xitsu's suspension will be applied retroactively, taking into account the time he already served under his provisional suspension, and will expire on October 8, 2027.
Timur "Tenker" Galimov (“Tenker”, Player for Axolotl) breached Article 4.1 of the Code by failing to report being approached with a match-fixing proposal. Consequently, he was suspended from any association or affiliation with a team in any Riot-sanctioned competitions for two months, retroactively covering the period from October 9, 2024, to December 8, 2024, including time served under provisional suspension.
TIMELINE
On October 9, 2024, Riot Games received a report from the VALORANT Challengers 2024 Spain: Rising Consolidation tournament organizer (“TO”) that xitsu had approached two teammates, proposing to fix their upcoming match against GMBLERS, scheduled for later that day.
Based on the available evidence, the TO considered that xitsu and Tenker were under reasonable suspicion of attempting to manipulate the outcome of the match for financial gain. To uphold the integrity of the competition and ensure fair disciplinary proceedings, Axolotl’s match against GMBLERS was forfeited, xitsu and Tenker were provisionally suspended from all Riot-sanctioned competitions effective October 9, 2024, and Riot Games appointed their trusted integrity partner, Sportradar, to conduct the investigation.
In view of the above, and after conducting a thorough investigation, formal disciplinary proceedings were opened against xitsu and Tenker on November 5, 2024, ensuring that both were granted the right to be heard. On November 22, 2024, Tenker submitted a written statement regarding the allegations. Subsequently, on December 2, 2024, xitsu also provided a written statement.
RELEVANT RULES
Esports Professionals must abide by the Code. In particular, the below provisions are relevant to the present case:
3.14 Match-fixing or Manipulation.
Esports Professionals may not match-fix or otherwise manipulate the outcome of any match or competition or request, encourage, or instruct others to manipulate it. “Manipulation” is defined as the unlawful or undue influencing or alteration (including failing to give best efforts), directly or indirectly, by an act or an omission, of the course, result, or any other aspect of a match (i.e. spot-fixing) or a competition, irrespective of whether the behavior is committed for financial gain, sporting advantage, or any other purpose. Teams may be sanctioned for the actions of their team owners, players, coaches, and any other employees or members of their organization. Any attempt to manipulate any competition, even if done unsuccessfully, will be deemed a violation of this rule.
4.1 Reporting Obligations.
Esports Professionals must report any violation of this Code of Conduct to us upon becoming aware of the violation. If the violation occurs during a Riot Games esports competition, Esports Professionals should report that violation to a tournament official (such as referees, competitive operations staff, or other designated individuals).
RULING
Riot Games takes match-fixing allegations very seriously, as these actions undermine the integrity of competition, erode trust, damage reputations, and can lead to severe legal consequences. Match-fixing deteriorates the players’ experience, betrays fans' trust and threatens the long-term sustainability and fairness of esports, making it one of the most serious breaches of the Code that Riot Games considers when making decisions.
When determining the appropriate sanctions for these breaches, each case was assessed individually, taking into account the severity of the offenses committed and all aggravating and mitigating factors. The summary below outlines Riot’s most relevant findings only.
The following individuals were found to have breached the Code:
xitsu breached Art. 3.14 (Match-fixing or Manipulation)
xitsu was found to have attempted to engage in match-fixing. In particular, evidence on file revealed that on the morning of the match against GMBLERS, he approached multiple teammates via Telegram, seeking their participation in manipulating the outcome for their match against GMBLERS. Riot Games considered his role in organizing the match-fixing as a significant aggravating factor.
Moreover, xitsu failed to cooperate in Sportradar’s investigation. This lack of cooperation, combined with his deliberate attempts to involve teammates in fixing the match, demonstrated a clear and intentional effort to undermine the integrity of Riot Games' competitions. The combination of these factors reflects a blatant disregard for the Code and competitive integrity standards.
In view of the above, Riot Games has imposed a sanction of three-years (3) suspension on xitsu, prohibiting him from participating in all official Riot-sanctioned competitions. The sanction will be applied retroactively, taking into account the time he already served under his provisional suspension, and will be effective until October 8, 2027.
Tenker breached Art. 4.1 (Reporting Obligations) of the Code
Tenker was found to have breached the Code by failing to report being approached with a match-fixing proposal. Specifically, Tenker was approached by xitsu, who proposed fixing an upcoming match. Despite being aware of this approach, Tenker did not report the incident to his team, the TO, or Riot Games, as required by the Code.
The evidence at hand suggests that Tenker displayed hesitation and reluctance toward participating in Xitsu's proposed action. However, it remains unclear whether Tenker would have independently reported the approach or merely refrained from involvement. In contrast, another player who was also approached by Xitsu promptly reported the incident to the TO, enabling immediate intervention. This proactive response has made it difficult to determine what actions Tenker might have taken on his own. While Riot Games recognizes the potential seriousness of Tenker’s failure to report, they also acknowledge the mitigating factor that the other player’s swift action preempted any potential decision Tenker might have made. Considering these factors, Riot Games has decided to impose a reduced sanction.
In view of the above, Tenker has been sanctioned with a two-month (2) suspension from all official Riot-sanctioned competitions. The suspension was applied retroactively, covering the period from October 9, 2024, to December 8, 2024, and includes time served under provisional suspension.
Riot Games remains committed to upholding the integrity of esports by addressing violations of the Code with appropriate sanctions to deter similar actions in the future.