Investigation: how top rank players earn on betting via ruining games for popular streamers

The original investigation first appeared in Russian on February 16, with subsequent revelations from multiple participants emerging throughout the investigation timeline. This comprehensive English version incorporates all verified details available as of April 30.

On February 5, former NAVI and Winstrike professional Bogdan “Iceberg” Vasylenko documented an alarming pattern of deliberate game sabotage across multiple consecutive public matches. He identified the root cause as EGB bookmaker opening live betting markets specifically targeting his streamed gameplay sessions.

I experienced ten consecutive matches with players intentionally throwing games through systematic ruining tactics. The moment I recognize these patterns at match start, I know the game quality will be severely compromised. Any viewer can simply monitor my stream, navigate to EGB, and place strategic bets. This situation leaves me absolutely speechless! I plan to contact this bookmaker directly to request removal of markets for my games. I’m exploring whether I have legal grounds to prohibit this practice entirely.

This investigation was launched to determine the validity of these claims and identify the individuals orchestrating these coordinated efforts.

What has happened?

During early February, EGB initiated live betting lines specifically targeting popular content creators’ public matches. Simultaneously, Iceberg, Topson, qojqva, and other prominent streamers encountered highly suspicious player behaviors in their ranked matches, affecting both allied and opposing teams. High-ranking competitors deliberately sabotaged games, with the most probable motivation being strategic betting advantages.

On February 5, coinciding with Iceberg’s public complaints about systematic game ruining, EGB temporarily suspended these markets before reinstating them shortly thereafter.

Cui bono?

Bookmakers naturally profit through their established margins over the long term. However, the investigation focused on identifying which specific players benefited from these manipulations. I analyzed over 50 public matches featuring Iceberg between February 1-5, compiling data on the most likely stream snipers targeting his gameplay.

The analytical framework employed multiple evaluation criteria:

• Total matches and consecutive days exhibiting sniping behavior;
• Clear evidence of intentional game ruining tactics;
• Multiple concurrent matches with other identified ruiners (both supporting and opposing Iceberg), indicating coordinated queue timing strategies.

Identified Stream Snipers Targeting Iceberg (February 1-5)

*Additional details provided in subsequent sections

Operational models vary between individual actors and coordinated groups. Some participants work independently, timing their queue entries to coincide with streamers while attempting to single-handedly determine match outcomes. Others operate as synchronized teams, significantly increasing their probability of joining target games through collective coordination efforts.

The investigation identified Aleksandr “Sensibility” Filatov as a central organizer within these operations. Filatov previously received a permanent competitive ban from Valve for documented match-fixing violations. During February 4-5, he actively sought 8.3k+ MMR accounts specifically for targeting Iceberg and other content creators. Multiple independent sources corroborated this information through verified evidence.

He conducted sniping operations against Iceberg using the pseudonymous “mlg” account, later rebranding it under his own name. Filatov only played one match with Vasilenko using his primary account.

Notably, several suspected stream sniping accounts—including tv/Julfy666, shigetsu0, and Sensibility—maintain mutual friend connections, suggesting established networking relationships.

* Following publication of the initial investigation findings, the legitimate owner of the ‘shigetsu0’ Steam account contacted me directly, confirming he temporarily loaned access to Sensibility. The account holder explicitly stated he did not personally engage in stream sniping activities.

On January 29, he encountered Sensibility’s recruitment post on a Discord server catering to account boosters. Facing financial constraints, he agreed to provide account access to Filatov, who paid approximately $17 per match while claiming competitive intentions. Shigetsu0 remained unaware his account was being utilized for targeted sniping operations.

Screenshot 1, Screenshot 2 (Russian language)

• shigetsu0: Hello. I can provide an 8900 MMR account
• Sensibility: Current ranking?
• shigetsu0: 311
• Sensibility: Compensation per game?
• shigetsu0: 1200 rubles
• Sensibility: Agreement confirmed
• shigetsu0: Accepted
• Sensibility: I intend to compete seriously
• shigetsu0: Providing login credentials and password, you authenticate using Steam Guard
• Sensibility: Understood
• shigetsu0: Possible transfer to Ukrainian banking card?
• Sensibility: If Sberbank transfers are feasible, no complications
• shigetsu0: Affirmative

Shigetsu0 began suspecting irregularities when observing severe performance discrepancies from his account during Iceberg’s broadcast sessions. Following these observations, he terminated the arrangement with Sensibility. Filatov proposed restoring his ranking points, but shigetsu0 declined the offer.

Sensibility rejected the accusations and tried to deflect the blame

After the initial investigation went public, Sensibility provided an official statement denying involvement in Iceberg sniping operations. He attempted to redirect suspicion toward other individuals he claimed were responsible.

I did temporarily provide account access, but not for targeting Iceberg specifically. My primary motivation was maintaining gameplay access during a 24-hour competitive ban for disruptive behavior. I never engaged in targeted sniping against any player, particularly using the account identifier mlg. I maintain one secondary account ranked around 1700. However, I’m aware that certain individuals systematically engage in stream sniping. Primarily account boosters participate in these activities. They generate $200-250 revenue per intentionally lost match. I can confirm with certainty that two European ladder competitors regularly participate: SemaNoLove and smN.

Subsequently, Denis “smN” Konshin contacted me directly with documented evidence confirming he also provided account access to Sensibility. He verified that Filatov played three competitive matches using his account credentials, compensating approximately $48 per session.

I never participated in coordinated sniping activities. My involvement stems exclusively from permitting Sensibility temporary account access without understanding his operational objectives. I coordinated through guarantor services, exclusively providing Steam Guard authentication codes. He completed three matches on February 5, paying 3500 rubles per game, from which I retained 2000. I ceased all communication following these transactions, marking the first and final instance of account sharing in my competitive history.

Screenshot (Russian language)

• smN: *transmits Steam Guard verification codes*
• Sensibility: Can I arrange payment for subsequent session following throne destruction? Same 3500 compensation
• smN: Confirmed, identical UMoney transfer method
• Sensibility: Acknowledged
• smN: Notify upon payment completion
• Sensibility: Confirmed. Currently in active match. Please maintain confidentiality.

SmN supplied comprehensive account activity logs. February 5 records demonstrate three distinct login sessions originating from St. Petersburg, corresponding with Sensibility’s verified residence. One additional login originated from Kharkiv location. SmN believes Sensibility distributed his account credentials to additional parties.

Additional evidence emerged through communications between Sensibility and intermediary guarantors. Filatov explicitly stated targeting Andreas “Cr1t-” Nielsen from Evil Geniuses organization. EGB maintained active betting markets for his public match sessions.

Screenshot 1, Screenshot 2 (Russian language)

• Sensibility: Targeting next session with Cr1t.
• The guarantor: Single or double session?
• Sensibility: Should I re-authenticate? Uncertain. If he terminates broadcast, I’ll complete one match, as discussed. Dependent on circumstances. Should I login?

<…>

• The guarantor: Additional session planned?
• Sensibility: Affirmative, contacted smN.
• The guarantor: Access Discord channel and transmit payment.
• Sensibility: Completed.
• The guarantor: Reduce ruining intensity. Implement subtler approaches.
• Sensibility: WHAT? How did I ruin? Discuss subsequently.

Sensibility additionally informed the guarantor about his EGB account suspension, preventing $500 withdrawal access, with supporting screenshot evidence.

Several days later, the guarantor inquired whether Sensibility required additional high-MMR accounts. Filatov responded that he already secured nine separate accounts.

Screenshot (Russian language)

• The guarantor: Notification. Available account access. 4000 rubles compensation.
• Sensibility: Maximum 2500 payment capacity. Receiving multiple competitive offers. Currently possess nine accounts, no additional requirements.
• The guarantor: Fixed pricing at 4000 rubles. No negotiation possible.

How much do they make?

Another individual who temporarily provided account access for stream sniping operations disclosed compensation rates of $12-25 per intentionally lost match, with approximately $12 payment for victories. Another elite competitor received an account loaning proposal at 8000 rubles (approximately $100) daily compensation. Stream snipers willingly offer premium rates because they generate substantially higher returns through coordinated betting strategies.

Screenshot (Russian language)

I understood they intended to utilize my account for targeting Bogdan [Iceberg]. Consequently, I informed them I wouldn’t permit account usage for systematic ruining tactics. They subsequently presented a purchase offer at 8000 rubles daily rate, which I declined. That concludes my involvement.

The economic structure reveals sophisticated revenue optimization strategies. Coordinated groups maximize profits through strategic bet placement while minimizing individual risk exposure. This creates a sustainable illicit economy that threatens competitive integrity across multiple gaming ecosystems.

Understanding these financial dynamics is crucial for developing effective countermeasures. The investigation identified multiple revenue streams including direct betting profits, account rental fees, and intermediary service commissions.

How does this affect Dota?

The consequences are profoundly damaging to competitive integrity. Previously, match-fixing opportunities primarily existed within professional tournament settings where betting markets operate. Each manipulated professional match carries significant risk as Valve imposes lifetime competitive bans for verified violations. Currently, cheating participants can engage in 322 activities during routine public matches without facing significant penalties. Consequently, numerous competitors become accustomed to systematic manipulation before entering professional circuits. What potential outcomes emerge when these individuals eventually reach tier-one or tier-two competitive scenes? They might replicate these behaviors at substantially higher profit margins.

What did change in two months?

Even before the initial investigation publication and subsequent statements from Sensibility and account providers, EGB responded. On February 14, they announced continued operation of these specialized betting markets.

We monitor all matches and don’t purchase ladder game data, maintaining betting oversight. When sniping activities are detected, all related wagers undergo verification procedures. Following these checks, every account exhibiting suspicious activity patterns receives permanent bans because these behaviors harm both players and our organizational interests. We’re prepared to enhance market supervision and collaborate with other bookmaking entities. However, we can only discontinue these markets following the return of official Dota 2 competitive events.

However, throughout April, while DPC competitions operated actively across five of six global regions, EGB maintained these specialized betting markets. As of April 30, these markets remain operational. The probable explanation involves profitability considerations, especially now that they understand how cheating players exploit these systems for financial gain.

Ultimately, guaranteeing 100% game integrity remains impossible, and no content creator is protected from systematic ruiners while these markets persist. These specialized betting markets fundamentally should not exist within competitive gaming ecosystems.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides » Investigation: how top rank players earn on betting via ruining games for popular streamers Exposing how top Dota 2 players manipulate pub games for betting profits through organized sniping schemes