Former Starcraft world champ charged in match-fixing scandal

Another match-fixing scandal is currently rocking the Korean Starcraft II scene. Investigators have brought charges against 11 people, including two pro gamers.

Neither KeSPA, the Korean esports association, or the authorities have confirmed any details yet, but Korean papers are reporting on the allegations in some detail.

Those reports are being translated and publicised by long-time Starcraft II esports writer and community member Kwanghee Woo, who has posted a series of Tweets on the matter.

From the details available so far, it is apparent that one of the two pro gamers charged is Seung Hyun "Life" Lee, who was the 2014 StarCraft II World Champion and the 2015 runner-up for that same title. Allegedly Life threw a match in the KeSPA cup on purpose for payment of 70,000,000 won (around €55,000). The cup featured a first place prize of 10,000,000 won.

The other player charged is apparently Woo Yong "Bbyong" Jung, who despite having a less successful career than Life has been a mainstay in the GSL, the premier Korean Starcraft League.

KeSPA is expected to make an official announcement soon, confirming both the names of the two players as well as barring them from competing for the rest of their lives.

Korean Starcraft has been hit by match-fixing scandals several times in the past. Usually, the scandals involve high-volume gamblers paying pro players to lose their games on purpose. Gambling is illegal in South Korea.