TLDR
- CS2 player Dmytro “nifee” Tediashvili received a four-year ban from ESIC for match-fixing and betting corruption
- Suspicious Molotov/incendiary deaths during ESL Pro League Season 22 triggered the investigation
- Betting spikes on proposition markets were traced to dormant and high-value accounts
- The ban was reduced from five years after nifee admitted guilt and cooperated with investigators
- He is barred from all ESIC-member events as a player, coach, analyst, or staff until October 2029
Professional Counter-Strike 2 player Dmytro “nifee” Tediashvili has been handed a four-year ban by the Esports Integrity Commission. The suspension covers match manipulation and betting-related corruption during competitive play.
The ban runs from 21 October 2025 through 20 October 2029. During that time, nifee cannot participate in any ESIC-member events.
That restriction applies to all roles. He cannot serve as a player, coach, analyst, or team staff member at any sanctioned competition.
The investigation stems from ESL Pro League Season 22. Unusual in-game incidents during matches in October 2025 first raised red flags.
ESIC worked alongside Runestone, a data and integrity partner, to examine the case. Together, they identified a pattern of repeated Molotov and incendiary grenade deaths during matches.
How Betting Activity Exposed the Scheme
Those in-game events lined up with spikes in betting on proposition markets. Proposition bets cover specific in-game outcomes rather than overall match results.
The betting activity was traced to dormant accounts and high-value accounts. The timing of the wagers matched the suspicious gameplay moments closely.
Gameplay reviews added more evidence to the case. Analysts found decision-making that did not fit normal competitive play.
Specific examples included deliberate exposure to damage without any clear tactical purpose. These moments appeared designed to trigger specific in-game outcomes tied to the proposition bets.
When first confronted with the charges, nifee denied any involvement. He initially rejected the accusations against him.
Cooperation Led to Reduced Ban
However, he later changed course and admitted to the conduct. His admission came alongside cooperation that helped ESIC with its broader investigation.
ESIC had originally considered a five-year ban for the violations. The final four-year suspension reflects the reduced penalty for his eventual honesty and assistance.
The case highlights the growing focus on proposition market manipulation in esports. These types of bets cover smaller in-game events that can be easier to manipulate than full match outcomes.
ESIC released a statement on the matter on Wednesday. The commission called match manipulation and betting corruption among the most serious threats to esports.
The organization also addressed the specific nature of this case. Even manipulation of seemingly minor in-game events undermines trust in competition and creates broader integrity risks, ESIC said.
ESIC thanked Runestone for their cooperation during the investigation. The partnership between the two organizations was central to uncovering the evidence.
The Anti-Corruption Code violation carries strict consequences. Nifee is fully barred from the competitive CS2 ecosystem at ESIC-member events until October 2029.
ESIC’s announcement was made public on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
