The Investigation and Findings

The ESIC’s investigation into Roheen “Goon” included evidence from live game footage and verified screenshots of communications with betting operators. These pieces of evidence substantiated that Goon placed bets on the tournament events he was involved in. Such activities are explicitly prohibited under the ESIC Anti-Corruption Code, particularly under items 2.2.1 and 2.4.5, which cover betting on matches and failing to report betting activities, respectively.

ESIC’s commitment to integrity in esports is reflected in their robust investigative procedures. By relying on concrete evidence such as live footage and verified communications, ESIC ensures that their findings are beyond reproach. This meticulous approach not only upholds the integrity of their investigations but also serves as a deterrent to potential violators.

The Sanction for Roheen “Goon”

In light of the serious nature of these breaches, ESIC has imposed a Rejection Order against Goon. This sanction will be effective for a period of nine months, from 3 April 2024 to 5 January 2025. During this period, Goon is prohibited from participating in ESIC member tournaments. This penalty period was reduced to nine months due to Goon’s early plea and his proactive measures in removing his bets on the events in question.

The decision to impose this sanction highlights ESIC’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption in esports. By imposing strict penalties, ESIC sends a clear message that unethical behavior will not be tolerated, and violators will face significant consequences.

The Role of ESIC in Esports Integrity

The ESIC’s mission is to ensure fair play and ethical conduct in all esports events. By enforcing strict compliance with the Anti-Corruption Code, ESIC protects the integrity of the esports industry. This latest sanction against Goon is a testament to ESIC’s unwavering dedication to upholding these standards.

Broader Implications for Esports

The case of Roheen “Goon” serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of integrity in esports. As the esports industry continues to grow, the need for robust regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms becomes increasingly critical. The ESIC’s proactive stance in this case sets a precedent for how similar violations will be handled in the future.

The Importance of Compliance and Reporting

One of the key aspects of the ESIC Anti-Corruption Code is the requirement for participants to report any betting activities. Goon’s failure to report his betting activities constituted a significant breach of this code. This highlights the importance of compliance and transparency in maintaining the integrity of esports competitions.

Participants in esports events must understand the gravity of these regulations and the potential consequences of non-compliance. By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, the esports community can collectively work towards a fairer and more ethical competitive environment.

The Future of Esports Integrity

ESIC’s commitment to integrity is an ongoing effort. The commission continues to develop and enforce regulations that adapt to the evolving landscape of esports. This includes not only addressing current issues such as betting but also anticipating and mitigating future risks.

Conclusion

The sanction against Roheen “Goon” is a significant step in the ongoing effort to maintain the integrity of esports. ESIC’s thorough investigation and decisive action demonstrate their commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct in the industry. As esports continues to grow, the importance of organizations like ESIC cannot be overstated. By enforcing strict compliance with ethical standards, ESIC ensures that esports remains a fair and competitive environment for all participants.

For more information on ESIC’s regulations and the full list of ESIC members, please visit their website at esic.gg. For any questions related to this matter, contact the Commissioner’s office at commissioner@esic.gg.

Image Source: X (formerly: Twitter) Account of Goon

Findings of the Investigation

The ESIC’s inquiry uncovered substantial evidence proving that Mr. Bagynanov engaged in activities that violated multiple sections of the ESIC Code of Conduct and Anti-Corruption Code. Specifically, his actions were found to be in violation of:

1. Anti-Corruption Code:
   • Section 2.1.1: Involvement in fixing or improperly influencing the outcome, progress, or any aspect of matches.
   • Section 2.2.1: Betting on matches, including those he participated in.
   • Section 2.2.2: Facilitating, aiding, or abetting others in committing betting-related offenses.
   • Sections 2.4.2 to 2.4.5: Failing to disclose all relevant facts about the aforementioned acts to ESIC.
2. Code of Conduct:
   • Section 2.1.5: Conduct that brings esports, the game, event, ESIC, or its members into disrepute.
   • Section 2.2.8: Match manipulation for inappropriate reasons.

ESIC’s Actions and Sanctions

As a result of these findings, ESIC has imposed a two-year ban on Erkhan “Gokushima” Bagynanov, effective from 27 March 2024 to 26 March 2026. During this period, “Gokushima” is prohibited from participating in any events hosted by ESIC member organizations. Compliance with all relevant provisions of the ESIC Anti-Corruption Code is mandatory throughout the duration of this sanction​.¹

Additional Context and Implications

Erkhan Bagynanov, who had been playing for the Russian esports organization FORZE since October 2023, was benched along with several teammates in early April 2024, just before the announcement of his ban​.² ​. The investigation revealed that Erkhan “Gokushima” Bagynanov was involved in fixing up to 80 matches and allegedly earned between USD 100,000 to USD 400,000 from these activities​. These revelations have sparked discussions about the broader issue of match-fixing within the esports community, with some insiders predicting that more players might be implicated in similar activities​.

Broader Impact on Esports Integrity

This case underscores the ongoing challenges that esports faces regarding integrity and fair play. The ESIC, established in 2015, aims to safeguard the integrity of esports by preventing, investigating, and prosecuting cheating and corruption. This case is a part of ESIC’s broader mission to protect the integrity of esports and ensure a fair competitive environment for all participants​.

Conclusion

The ban on Erkhan “Gokushima” Bagynanov serves as a significant reminder of the serious consequences of violating esports integrity codes. It highlights the ESIC’s commitment to maintaining the credibility and integrity of esports competitions. Moving forward, the esports community will need to stay vigilant and continue to support measures that promote fairness and transparency in the sport.

For more information on the ESIC and its efforts to maintain integrity in esports, you can visit their official website.

1. https://www.hltv.org/news/38751/gokushima-receives-two-year-match-fixing-ban; https://esic.gg/sanction-outcome/public-statement-on-disciplinary-action-against-participant-erkhan-gokushima-bagynanov/ ↩︎
2. https://www.vegasslotsonline.com/news/2024/04/13/russian-counter-strike-2-pro-banned-for-two-years-for-match-fixing/; https://www.dexerto.com/counter-strike-2/counter-strike-pro-banned-for-two-years-after-match-fixing-and-betting-on-games-2642342/ ↩︎

Introduction

The range of rule violations sanctioned in this manner varies from minor disruptions of other participants’ gaming experience through “griefing” to forms of toxic behavior such as insults and harassment via text or voice chat, and even to serious infringements on the integrity of the game’s inherent competition like “cheating” and “exploiting.” Consequently, the spectrum of imposed sanctions is broad, ranging from short “timeouts” lasting a few minutes or hours, to temporary bans lasting several days or weeks, up to the so-called “permaban,” which permanently excludes an account.

A more severe version of the conventional game ban is the “hardware ban,” which not only locks the penalized player’s game account but also attempts to prevent the player from circumventing the ban by using a new game account, through the detection of technical identifiers of the respective device.

Valorant, Riot Games’ free-to-play First-Person Shooter (FPS), is at the forefront imposing strict rules to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all participants. However, disputes arise, and players sometimes find themselves on the wrong side of these regulations, facing bans for various reasons. This article outlines the common offenses leading to account bans in Valorant and provides a detailed guide on how to submit a ban appeal.

Common Reasons for Valorant Bans

Valorant’s terms of service are designed to create a competitive and respectful environment. Violations of these terms can lead to account suspensions or bans, for reasons including but not limited to:

• Cheating: Utilizing third-party software or any form of unauthorized assistance is strictly forbidden.
• Boosting and Account Sharing: Engaging in boosting services or sharing accounts compromises the game’s integrity.
• Toxicity and Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Valorant enforces a zero-tolerance policy towards in-game toxicity and unsportsmanlike behavior, which can result in temporary or permanent bans.
• Glitch or Bug Exploitation: Exploiting in-game glitches or bugs for an unfair advantage is prohibited.
• Excessive Fire, Queue Dodging, and AFK: Repeated offenses of game disruption may lead to penalties, although a clean record can mitigate this risk.

It is important to note that penalties are not uniform; they vary based on the severity and nature of the offense. Some violations might result in immediate and severe consequences, including extended suspensions or permanent bans. An overview of the bans is provided below (source: Riot Games):

How to Appeal a Valorant Ban

For players who believe their Valorant ban or penalty was unjust or wish to appeal for reconsideration, Valorant provides a straightforward appeal process through Riot Games’ official website. Follow these steps to submit a ban appeal:

1. Visit Riot Games’ Official Website: Navigate to the support section located at the top of the page.
2. Submit a Ticket: Click on the “Submit a Ticket” button at the top of the Support center.
3. Log In: If not already logged in, enter your Riot account credentials to access the appeal form.
4. Select Appeal Category: Choose “Discuss Personal Suspension and Restriction” under the type selection.
5. Fill Out the Appeal Form:
   • In the subject field, enter a concise headline such as “Valorant Ban Appeal.”
   • Provide your Riot ID in the designated box.
   • In the description (see Template below), thoroughly explain your situation and why you believe the ban should be reconsidered.
   • Under “Inquiry,” select “Discuss Game Bans” and specify the type of ban you are appealing, whether it’s for toxicity, cheating, account compromise, or an uncertain reason.
   • Attach any relevant files or evidence that could support your case.

Valorant Ban Appeal Template

ELN (Esports Legal News) is committed to assisting players navigate the complexities of game-related disputes and bans. Understanding the challenges players face when attempting to appeal bans, ELN has developed a comprehensive template designed to simplify the appeal process.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that the provided template and guidance are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Utilizing this template does not guarantee a specific outcome, such as the lifting of a ban. It is designed to help articulate an appeal in a polite and constructive manner, which could potentially lead to a reconsideration of the ban.

Each case is unique, and the final decision rests with the game’s support team or relevant authority. Individuals seeking to appeal a ban should ensure that their submissions are honest and accurately reflect their situation, as the effectiveness of an appeal can vary based on the circumstances and evidence presented.

Please be advised that any text enclosed in brackets […] within the template should be replaced with your individual data and specific details pertinent to your case. It is essential to personalize these sections to ensure your appeal accurately reflects the unique circumstances surrounding your situation. Tailoring the template with precise and relevant information will enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your submission, ultimately contributing to a more compelling argument for the reconsideration of your ban.

Please be aware that the circumstances outlined in the template must be tailored according to the specific details and needs of your situation. The effectiveness of your appeal largely depends on the accuracy and relevance of the information you provide.

It is crucial to carefully adjust the narrative and evidence to reflect your personal experiences and the context of the ban. Honesty and a clear articulation of your circumstances can contribute significantly to the constructive presentation of your case. Remember, a personalized appeal that accurately represents your situation and adheres to the principles of politeness and constructiveness is more likely to be received positively.

Dear Riot Games Player Support,

I am writing to formally appeal the ban imposed on my Valorant account ([Your Riot ID]), effective [Date of Ban]. This correspondence seeks a review and subsequent revocation of the said ban, which I believe was issued under mistaken circumstances.

Introduction

I, [Your Full Name], with the Riot ID [Your Riot ID], wish to appeal against the sanctions applied to my account as of [Date of Ban]. My intent is to clarify the circumstances that led to the imposition of the ban and to present evidence countering the rationale for such action.

To the best of my knowledge, my account was suspended for violating Valorant’s terms of service, specifically under the category of [Specify the Reason for Ban, e.g., “Toxicity/Unsportsmanlike Conduct”]. The notification received did not provide a detailed explanation of the incident(s) that led to this decision, thereby limiting my understanding and ability to rectify the situation.

Grounds for Appeal

I believe the ban imposed on my account was a result of a misunderstanding stemming from an incident that occurred in a match dated [Insert Date], during a high-stress competitive game. In this match, I was reported for “toxic behavior” following a heated exchange with another player [Insert Nickname, if possible]. However, I wish to clarify the context of this exchange to illustrate why the ban may have been unjustified.

The disagreement began when a team member began to intentionally sabotage our game by “throwing” or deliberately playing poorly to ensure we would lose. In an attempt to address the situation, I engaged in what I now recognize was a confrontational manner, which escalated the situation. My intention was not to harass or insult the player but to encourage a more team-oriented approach to the game.

Following the match, I took immediate steps to remedy the situation by reaching out to the player in question to apologize for my part in the conflict, emphasizing my commitment to maintaining a positive gaming environment. This exchange in WhatsApp, which I believe was received positively, is attached as Exhibit A.

Additionally, I have always strived to uphold the community standards set forth by Riot Games, with this incident being an isolated case in an otherwise exemplary record, as demonstrated by my player history and positive interactions with the community, detailed in Exhibit B.

Given the context of the incident and my immediate efforts to resolve the misunderstanding, I believe the ban on my account does not reflect the entirety of the situation and may have been an unjustified response to a singular, resolved altercation.

Request for Review
Based on the above-stated grounds, I respectfully request the reconsideration of the ban on my Valorant account. I believe that the evidence and context provided sufficiently demonstrate that the ban either was a misunderstanding or does not warrant the severity of the current penalty.

I am fully committed to adhering strictly to Valorant’s Community Code and terms of service. I understand the importance of maintaining a respectful and fair gaming environment and hereby pledge to uphold these principles diligently moving forward.

I am willing to provide further information or clarification as required and can be reached at [Your Email Address] or [Your Phone Number]. Thank you for considering my appeal. I look forward to your response and hope for a positive resolution to this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Riot ID]
Attachments: Exhibits A-[Last Exhibit Letter]