ESIC bans Ukrainian player for placing 390 bets, including on his own matches

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has issued a three-year ban to Ukrainian player Ilya "⁠Ganginho⁠" Chernychenko, formerly of Sangal and TNL, on March 6th.

After a thorough investigation, the esports watchdog discovered that Ganginho had placed 390 Counter-Strike bets, including on matches involving TNL. According to ESIC, this conduct resulted in "winnings totalling approximately $20,000".

The investigation concluded that the betting activity was conducted "through accounts linked to Mr. Chernychenko via shared IP addresses, device identifiers, and other unique digital markers," ESIC said in the official statement.

By doing this, Ganginho breached ESIC's Anti-Corruption Code and Code of Conduct, particularly these following sub-articles:

Anti-Corruption Code Breaches

• 2.1.1 Corruption – Engaging in improper influence over matches, including betting-related conduct.

• 2.2.1 Betting – Placing bets on matches within your own professional circuit, including betting on your own team.

• 2.3.1 Misuse of Inside Information – Using confidential competitive information for betting purposes.

• 2.4.4 & 2.4.5 Failure to Disclose Corrupt Conduct – Failing to report knowledge of corruption or suspicious activity.

Code of Conduct Breaches:

• 2.2.8 Match Manipulation – Engaging in match manipulation for improper strategic or financial gain.

• 2.3.4 Bringing Esports into Disrepute – Conduct detrimental to the reputation of esports and its stakeholders.

• 2.5.5 & 2.5.6 Failure to Disclose & Suspicion of Improper Conduct – Failing to disclose corrupt practices and engaging in behavior raising suspicion of integrity violations.

During his ban, Ganginho is prohibited from participating as a player, coach, manager, or broadcaster at any ESIC-recognized tournament.

The 23-year-old has been inactive since October 2024, when he announced his retirement on X.

"It was a great time that gave me a lot of great people," Ganginho wrote at the time. "But life is so fast that you can't dwell on one thing and you need to be able to take the next step."