Astini claims over 40 Dota 2 players involved in match-fixing network
Filipe "Astini" Astini, a Dota 2 coach, has publicly alleged that more than 40 players are involved in a match-fixing network within South America. He made the statement on his personal X account while commenting on the lifetime PGL ban issued to Santiago "TaiLung" Olivos.
Astini views the case as the beginning of dismantling a wider system rather than an isolated incident. According to him, aspiring professional players in Peru face pressure to participate in match-fixing while playing for lower-tier teams.
"The only thing that makes me happy is that the TaiLung ban is the beginning of the dismantling of a huge mafia involving more than 40 players," Astini stated. He noted that in Peru, it is practically impossible to become a professional player because one is forced to participate in '322' at the entry level.
TaiLung has denied involvement in betting, match-fixing, or other misconduct. However, Astini's comments represent allegations from the coach and do not independently establish the involvement of the players he referenced. The case has prompted wider discussion about competitive integrity in the South American Dota 2 scene.