The issue regarding the BetBoom team and Tundra Esports is still being disputed to this day. Although BetBoom was eliminated last night, it appears that some fans and players are siding with the Russian team, especially with their player, Ivan “Pure” Moskalenko, while some professionals are applauding the organiser for their decision.
IO Esports, the organiser of Bali Major, ruled that Pure broke the rules by alt-tabbing in the middle of a match against Tundra Esports during technical pause. Pure was accused of stream sniping throughout the tournament, which he denied as he was just watching Aleksandr “Nix” Levin’s live streaming. Nonetheless, the organiser still penalised BetBoom by giving the victory to Tundra Esports and dropping them to the lower bracket.
A few hours later, a social media exchange reveals that Azure Ray requested the organiser to impose severe penalty against Pure and threatening to withdraw from the competition unless Pure is taken out from the team. Pure was later booted from the roster, and stand-in Roman “Resolut1on” Fomynok replaced him for the rest of the competition.
This controversty turned spectators and Azure Ray supporters to harass BetBoom team on social media ahead of their match against Azure Ray. Betboom’s captain Alexander “Torontotokyo” Khertek, who was watching the news, then vented his frustrations on the Azure Ray in the beginning of their game. He mocked them for chickening out against their full lineup. Some of those who watched it afterwards supported Torontotokyo and criticised the organiser’s decision who barred Pure from playing last night.
BetBoom was eventually eliminated from the game following a 2-1 loss against team Azure Ray last night, which was afterwards eliminated by PSG.LGD. Nonetheless, BetBoom has received continued support. Throughout the competition, several fans and pro teams have expressed their support for BetBoom, with 9Pandas team dedicated their victory last night to the Russian team.
Several talents and players, on the other hand, approved with the organisers’ response to the issue. Gaimin Gladiators’ ace Quinn “Quinn” Callahan, said that opening stream during the tournament is not simply a misdemeanour and should be penalised according to the regulations. Dota 2 statistician Ben “Noxville” Steenhulsen even felt that BetBoom’s punishment was too modest in comparison to the breaches committed.
The Bali Major has becoming the most controversial major of the year. Most feel that this incident could have been prevented if the organiser had a better match monitoring team and provided clearer rulesets.
