The Mongolian Counter-Strike scene has been rocked by one of its darkest days, as seven individuals connected to the professional team ATOX have been banned for serious integrity violations. The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) announced the disciplinary actions on May 15, following a months-long investigation into a web of match-fixing, betting irregularities, and connections to an underground Chinese betting syndicate.
According to ESIC’s 15-page report, the probe uncovered over 70 illicit betting transactions, some of which were tied directly to manipulated match results. The bulk of the suspicious activity occurred throughout late 2024, with early red flags raised during ESL Pro League Season 20, particularly during ATOX’s match against Falcons.
Two Lifetime Bans and Five Suspensions in ATOX Scandal
Among the most damning outcomes were lifetime bans issued to two of Mongolia’s most prominent Counter-Strike veterans: Gan-Erdene “dobu” Batbold and Bat-Enkh “kabal” Batbayar. Both players, widely regarded as pioneers of the Mongolian CS scene, were found to have orchestrated match-fixing schemes and distributed hush money to teammates in a bid to cover up their actions.
The investigation revealed the duo engaged in “match manipulation strategies and betting activities,” working hand-in-hand with organized crime syndicates based in China. Their roles in facilitating the scandal earned them permanent suspensions from all ESIC-affiliated competitions.
Also receiving a lifetime ban was ATOX analyst Ana-Erdene “nuka” Baasantogtokh, who was identified as a key figure in executing the betting scheme. According to ESIC, nuka placed the majority of the 70 bets in question and actively sabotaged team strategy by delivering misleading in-game tactics to sway match outcomes in favor of the syndicate.
Additional Bans and a Tarnished Legacy
Beyond the three lifetime bans, four more ATOX members received varying lengths of suspensions:
-
Temuulen “MiQ” Byambadalai
-
Otgonlkhagva “AccuracyTG” Batjargal
-
Munkhsaikhan “Zesta” Erdenebaatar
Each was issued bans ranging from eight months to one year for failing to disclose match-fixing knowledge.
ATOX head coach and CEO Tuguldur “flyNN” Gansuk received a three-year ban, not for direct involvement, but for gross negligence and failure to act despite being in a position of authority.
ESIC emphasized in its statement that “any and all knowledge of corrupt betting activity must be reported immediately,” and that failing to do so, even without direct involvement, constitutes a punishable offense.
Evidence and Confessions
Once confronted with hard evidence, including chat logs, phone call recordings, and internal communication screenshots, the three main offenders (dobu, kabal, and nuka) confessed to their roles in the match-fixing operation. The report stated that these admissions aligned with the timeline and findings compiled by investigators, further solidifying the integrity breaches.
Interestingly, not every player from the ATOX roster was punished. Tuvshintugs “Annihilation” Nyamdorj and Yalalt “yAmi” Oyunbileg escaped sanctions but remain under review as part of an ongoing “Related Participant Investigation,” alongside Chinese player Song “xiaosaGe” Peng.
ATOX Blacklisted from Major Events, Mongolian Scene in Crisis
Since February, ATOX has been barred from participating in major events hosted by ESL, BLAST, and PGL—three of the largest tournament organizers in professional Counter-Strike. With ESIC’s findings now public, that ban is expected to remain indefinitely.
The ramifications are devastating for the Mongolian esports community. Dobu and kabal were central figures in Mongolia’s rise on the international stage, especially after their breakout years with TheMongolZ in 2016. Their fall from grace marks a significant setback for a region that had built a reputation for its passionate and rapidly improving Counter-Strike talent.
As the dust settles, ESIC’s message remains clear: integrity breaches, no matter the region or profile, will not be tolerated. The hope now is that the Mongolian scene can rebuild and emerge stronger in the aftermath of this historic scandal.
