The PC gaming space is generally accepted to be the best platform for online multiplayer and challenging online play against other skilled players, if you’re good enough you may even be able to go pro. Recently however, there has been a series of instances of match fixing, gambling and players throwing games at a professional level. The eSports community has of course taken this as a great offence as it could possibly ruin the entire pro-gaming space.
Valve have seen fit to issue a warning to high tier players. Whilst pro teams are expected to know about their opponents by dint of association, an excerpt of the statement reads, “Betting using inside information, or even the perception or suspicion thereof, carries a significant risk of damaging your personal brand, your team, your community, and may lead to exclusion from future Valve-sponsored events. To avoid these risks, we recommend that you never bet on any CS:GO game or match. This recommendation applies both to current professional players and anyone who wishes to participate in a Valve-sponsored CS:GO event in the future.”
While most pro eSports gamers receive tons of money, Valve try to make it clear that in such a niche space the individual can have a huge impact on the perception of the whole. They said, “It’s important to consider the substantial impact an individual professional Counter-Strike player has on the health and stability of the sport. Performing before an audience of millions of fans, you are ambassadors for your game – the strength of professional Counter-Strike comes from the integrity of its players and teams.”
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