In a startling revelation that has sent ripples through the professional Dota 2 community, Ukrainian player Mark “Mangekyou” Kharlamov has publicly confessed to his past involvement in match-fixing. His confession, however, goes far beyond a simple admission, painting a grim picture of financial desperation, alleged blackmail, and a subsequent period of what he describes as intense psychological pressure and abuse under the guidance of coach Kanishka Sam “BuLba” Soosaila during their time at Shopify Rebellion.
A Confession Born of Desperation: The “322” Incident
Mangekyou`s journey into the morally ambiguous realm of “322” (a term for match-fixing in Dota 2, derived from a famous incident where a player bet against his own team and won exactly $322) was, by his account, a desperate scramble for survival. Relocated to Poland, with family funds dwindling and rent deadlines looming, Mangekyou, then a high-ranked mid-lane player, found himself accepting a stand-in role as a carry—a position he felt less proficient in. It was during this period that an acquaintance from a public game offered him $4,000 to fix a match.
Initially hesitant, the promise of a substantial sum to alleviate his financial woes proved too tempting. He accepted, with the crucial condition that bets would be placed on his team`s victory. He was assured that “bought teams” would intentionally lose. Yet, fate, or perhaps internal sabotage, intervened. His team unexpectedly lost a match where a large sum was wagered on their win.
This failure plunged him deeper into a perilous situation. He was then coerced, under threat of severe repercussions (his words: “hands and feet I still need”), to deliberately lose the next match. Reluctantly, Mangekyou complied. Irony, it seems, has a cruel sense of humor, as he received no money for his coerced participation. A desperate act, blackmail, one fixed match, and zero dollars — a stark illustration of the perilous trap that can ensnare players facing financial hardship in the esports world.
The Shopify Rebellion Chapter: A New Beginning, or a Deeper Abyss?
Fast forward, and Mangekyou found himself joining Shopify Rebellion, a prominent organization in the Dota 2 scene. It was here that BuLba, the team`s coach, directly confronted him about his past. Mangekyou recounts a surprisingly understanding initial reaction from BuLba, who, upon hearing the full story – a single, past, unpaid fixed match – reportedly stated: “You didn`t get money, and it was a long time ago. I trust you.” BuLba seemingly prioritized Mangekyou`s talent, opting to keep him in the team, albeit with concerns about potential “proofs” surfacing.
However, the promised fresh start quickly soured. Mangekyou`s time at Shopify Rebellion, particularly during a crucial bootcamp and tournament, became a source of significant distress.
Bootcamp Blues and Unbearable Pressure
Mangekyou’s entry into the team was already hampered by visa issues, leaving him isolated for three months while his teammates bonded in Canada. His first in-person interaction came just a week before ESL One Bangkok. As an admitted “somewhat unsocial” individual, this was a significant hurdle. The bootcamp itself, intended to foster team chemistry, turned into a suffocating environment:
- Overcrowding: A staggering 11 individuals—including a psychologist, contract manager (Mangekyou`s sarcastic query: “for what?”), videographer, and analyst—crammed into a 30 sq.m. room.
- Constant Surveillance: Cameras, vlogs, and a perpetual “bazaar” atmosphere made focus impossible.
- Micro-management and Public Shaming: BuLba allegedly dictated Mangekyou`s social behavior, from forcing smiles and mandatory breakfasts to scolding him during meals for looking at his phone, all while publicly admonishing him in front of the team for perceived shortcomings.
- The Monitor Incident: Following a particularly frustrating loss, Mangekyou alleges BuLba struck his monitor, causing it to shut down, followed by a 30-minute tirade questioning his commitment and highlighting Shopify`s “generosity.”
This relentless pressure took its toll. Mangekyou recounted an incident where, after a string of losses, BuLba allegedly snatched his phone, threatening to throw it out the window, culminating in Mangekyou being reduced to tears. Even the team`s psychologist, Mangekyou noted, was “shocked” by the intensity of the pressure but advised him to simply “win the game” for his own sake.
The Seeds of Division: Accusations Resurface
Despite the alleged toxic environment, the team did manage to win qualifiers for another tournament. Yet, Mangekyou claims that any blame for losses was consistently funneled onto him. A minor disagreement with a teammate, Timado, rapidly escalated when BuLba allegedly intervened, hurling insults, questioning Mangekyou’s “big ego,” labeling him a “one-trick,” and, crucially, resurrecting the very “322” accusation he had initially dismissed. This tactical use of Mangekyou`s past, after seemingly forgiving it, deeply wounded the player.
Feeling entirely isolated and unfairly blamed, Mangekyou ultimately decided to leave Shopify Rebellion. His departure, he notes, did not magically transform the team`s fortunes, as they continued to struggle, consistently finishing “top-2 from the bottom.”
The Aftermath: BuLba`s Alleged Smear Campaign
The saga, however, did not conclude with Mangekyou`s exit. In a particularly damaging turn of events, Mangekyou alleges that BuLba embarked on a deliberate campaign to discredit him. He claims BuLba contacted managers and tournament operators, falsely accusing Mangekyou of engaging in “322” during his time at Shopify Rebellion, specifically at the Bangkok and Fissure tournaments.
This purported smear campaign culminated when Mangekyou was set to play for another team, Submarine, at PGL4. BuLba, Mangekyou states, “foamed at the mouth” attempting to secure his ban from the tournament. Fortunately, PGL clarified that they had no complaints against Mangekyou. Furthermore, Mangekyou proactively reached out to tournament organizers (ESL and PGL) himself, who confirmed BuLba had indeed requested his ban for match-fixing. Both organizations conducted investigations and found no evidence of Mangekyou`s alleged misconduct, unequivocally stating they had no claims against him. This effectively debunked BuLba`s accusations as, in Mangekyou`s words, “a lie.”
Broader Implications: Player Welfare and Esports Integrity
Mangekyou`s explosive account sheds critical light on several enduring challenges within professional esports. Firstly, it underscores the severe financial pressures that can push talented, but struggling, players towards desperate measures like match-fixing. While “322” is an undeniable threat to competitive integrity, understanding the underlying factors, such as inadequate player support or precarious contractual situations, is crucial for prevention.
Secondly, the allegations against BuLba raise serious questions about player welfare and the power dynamics within teams. A coach`s role is to guide and nurture talent, not to create a hostile environment or exploit a player`s past vulnerabilities for control. The alleged emotional abuse, public humiliation, and subsequent attempt to sabotage Mangekyou`s career, if true, represent a severe breach of professional conduct and duty of care.
Finally, the incident highlights the vital role of tournament organizers in upholding the integrity of the sport. Their independent investigations into BuLba`s claims, and their clear vindication of Mangekyou, serve as a testament to the system`s ability to protect players from baseless accusations and maintain fair play.
As the Dota 2 community grapples with these revelations, Mangekyou`s story serves as a stark reminder of the often-unseen struggles behind the glamorous facade of professional esports, urging a closer look at player mental health, ethical leadership, and robust support systems.
Mark “Mangekyou” Kharlamov is not currently active on the professional Dota 2 scene. Shopify Rebellion, with Mangekyou, achieved 7-8th place at ESL One Bangkok 2024 and 15-16th at FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025.
Finley Holt