ESIC Banned Former Sangal Esports Player for Betting on His Team

Former professional CS2 player Ilya " Ganginho " Chernichenko has been banned from tournaments for three years. According to the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC), the player placed 390 bets on the outcome of matches involving his team — TEAM NEXT LEVEL.

ESIC identified links between the accounts used for betting and Ganginho , which earned him about $20,000. As a result, the former Sangal Esports player has been banned until December 6, 2027. During this time, he will not be able to participate in ESIC-related tournaments as a player, coach, manager, or commentator. The case has also been forwarded to tournament organizers and game publishers, such as Valve and Riot Games, who may impose additional sanctions.

We reached out to Ganginho for a comment, in which he stated that he disagrees with ESIC's decision. He also noted that he is not interested in further proceedings.

"I disagree with ESIC's decision, but I do not plan to appeal. Perhaps a lawyer will handle this issue. My life is now connected with something completely different and it's not the right time. I do not plan to return to CS." - Ganginho

Ganginho ended his career in October 2024 after five years on the professional scene. During this time, he played for Sangal, Betera , and Team Next Level (TNL).