The iBUYPOWER match-fixing scandal occurred in 2014 during a CS:GO match between iBUYPOWER and NetcodeGuides. iBUYPOWER, a top North American team, intentionally lost the match to NetcodeGuides, who needed the win to make playoffs. An investigation by Valve revealed that several iBUYPOWER players, including Sam "DaZeD" Marine, Joshua "steel" Nissan, and Casey "caseyfoster" Foster, had bet on the match and had conspired to throw it.
As a result, Valve permanently banned the implicated players from participating in any Valve-sponsored events. The scandal was widely criticized, with many considering the punishment too harsh, especially given that the match was relatively insignificant. The incident highlighted the risks of match-fixing in esports and led to a re-evaluation of the penalties for such offenses.
Despite some third-party organizers lifting their bans on the players, they remain banned from Valve events. The scandal had a lasting impact on the careers of the players involved, with some struggling to find new opportunities in the esports scene.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. iBUYPOWER was a North American CS:GO team that competed in tournaments.
2. On August 20, 2014, iBUYPOWER played a match against netcode guides on de_season.
3. 83% of people on eSports betting site CS:GO Lounge had bet on iBUYPOWER to win.
4. iBUYPOWER lost the match 16-4, which was unexpected.
5. iBUYPOWER's loss was suspicious, and an article by Richard Lewis accused the team of match-fixing.
6. The team denied any wrongdoing, but an investigation by CS:GO Lounge found evidence of match-fixing.
7. Valve banned four iBUYPOWER players (dazed, steel, AZK, and swag) from competing in Valve-sponsored events.
8. The bans were permanent, and the players were also banned from other third-party events.
9. Skadoodle, another iBUYPOWER player, was not banned by Valve.
10. The iBUYPOWER scandal was one of the biggest in CS:GO history.
11. The team's players have since moved on to other games, such as Overwatch, and some have done analyst work.
12. Some members of the CS:GO community disagree with the severity of the bans.
13. Valve has a zero-tolerance policy for cheaters and match-fixers in CS:GO.
14. The iBUYPOWER players were banned for life, while convicted cheaters in CS:GO typically receive a two-year competitive ban.