HObbit suspected of match-fixing - ESIC launches investigation

Richard Lewis dealt with the accusations of the former forZe coach, who spoke about match-fixing on stage with HObbit. During the analysis of the case, an American journalist passed the information to ESIC, which launched its own investigation. In turn, the Cloud9 organization, which is currently represented by the Kazakhstani cybersportsman, intends to conduct an internal investigation and only then make comments.

At the end of 2015, 5TRYK#R (known for his coaching work in forZe) created the PARTY team with the goal of qualifying for the Major through regional qualifiers. The team included two players who will continue to enjoy success on TIER-1, fitch and HObbit, who managed to play for AVANGAR and Gambit Esports. Faced with setbacks, the team lasted only a few months, after which it broke up into separate components.

However, a few days ago, 5TRYK#R announced that he was suffering from a serious illness and that he wanted to show all his cards if the worst happened. In particular, the former forZe coach spoke about match-fixing with the participation of HObbit, which he proposed to arrange on the TIER-3 scene.

On his YouTube channel, 5TRYK#R posted a series of videos with analysis of the PARTY pistol rounds: the coach asked the audience to pay attention to the team's economy, the bomb and the choice of positions. At the same time, he posted alleged correspondence with HObbit, in which Abay advised betting on the GameplayDNA team. The messages are dated December 21, 2015. On the screenshot, you can only see the line of the betting company - it is not known whether someone from the team bet on this match, but PARTY won that match.

Additionally, 5TRYK#R posted screenshots with the history of match results. They indicate that the bookmaker canceled bets on matches that the former forZe coach paid attention to.

Again, this information can at best be considered circumstantial evidence. All of this did indicate that HObbit was willing to bet on games involving his own team, a breach that would most likely result in a minor fine, but would not be treated in the same way as any other form of match-fixing.

But the story doesn't end there. 5TRYK#R decided to post the recording of the team's talks. In particular, the context of the players who are discussing the betting company becomes clear from the conversation.

Bringing the story to a close, and all primary sources can be found in the source, data and materials for further investigation were transferred to ESIC. In turn, the Commission promised to start a process of investigation.