Filipino Dota 2 team Smart Omega have been banned from competing in Valve-sponsored events, the SEA DPC League announced in a tweet Tuesday, on allegations of match-fixing.
As a consequence, the squad also known as Omega Esports lost their Dota Pro Circuit slot, too.
No other details behind the allegations were mentioned.
Meanwhile, Omega have yet to release a statement.
The bans are extended to their current and former players:
- Dave "Hiro" Miyata
- Prince Daculan
- Patt Piolo "Piolz" Dela Cruz
- Ryniel Keit "Zenki" Calvez
- Van Jerico Manalaysay
- Coach Chris Ian Francis "CTY" Maldo
Valve is a video-game developer known for organizing multimillion-dollar tournaments, such as the recently concluded $40-million The International. Several Dota 2 Majors also have at least a $3-million prize pool.
On Saturday, the team announced their new roster, hailing from different countries, which was supposed to boost their competitive placement in the upcoming Southeast Asia Dota Pro Circuit 2021/22 Tour 1.
One of the new Smart Omega recruits, South Korean professional player Lee "Forev" Sang-don, immediately tweeted on Tuesday that he was already looking for a team, either as a coach or player after the announcement.
Boom Esports will retain their upper division slot after finishing 7th last DPC season, and Execration will be permitted to fill their open roster slot.
The SEA DPC Tour 1 will commence on December 1 for Division I, while Division II will start on November 29.
Dota 2, esports, match-fixing, Smart Omega, Valve Corporation, Boom Esports, Execration