Junglew0w match fixing case resolved after a year with a $4500 fine

Ty ‘junglew0w’ O’Donnell was found guilty of match fixing, after evidence came to light late last year. The player was implicated in math fixing for purposely throwing a map in the game after placing bets on the outcome. Following a long investigation, he was only fined $4500. The amount he was suspected of winning out of the match mixing. That’s alongside other financial punishments.

Case finally resolved

Junglew0w was a Valorant pro player for Team Bliss back in 2021. He departed the team shortly after the LPL Legends Autumn Cup 2021 (the match fixing event in question).

Him and his accomplice Eli Clarke’s bet earned them 7,000 AUD (USD4,500). Following some “digging”, their text showed the two discussing “juicy odds” on a game in which Bliss was the clear favorite. The player seemed to want to take advantage of the situation. Purposely throwing a game and fixing the match to win this bet.

The two bet on Bless to lose the first map. Bless might have won the series overall, but they did lose the first map. That meant junglew0w came away with his bet winning. It didn’t change the outcome of the game. However, intentionally throwing a map still perverts how the game is getting played.

They have received a fine for what they did. However, there are other punishments too. They are both on good behavior bonds, they also had to return their winnings to the bookmaker they used, Ladbrokes, and will also have to make donations to gambling charities in Australia.

Junglew0w’s Future in Valorant

Junglew0w ‘s bet has already forced him to pay back the winnings. However, while no longer with Bliss, Junglew0w still does make appearances elsewhere in Valorant. Team Bliss themselves, have been clear that they weren’t involved. Brendan Harms (Bliss COO) has said he was unaware of the player’s behavior.

With a full investigation revealing the text messages involved with the Valorant Pro match-fixing, it seems it would have come out if anyone else on the team was aware. This incident follows a lot of Australian pro match fixing problems that have happened in the past, with more than 30 CS:GO incidents leading to criminal charges for gambling offenses. Valorant has had some problems with it before too. Although, it seems like an isolated problem.

Australian authorities also seem to be pretty equipped to investigate match-fixing at this point. They’ve dealt with a lot of it. While it’s always worrying that matches were being thrown, having the player involved punished harshly should reassure fans.

Match-fixing problem still persists in FPS titles, especially in lesser competitive regions. However, both esports bookmakers and authorities actively seek and track down dodgy practices and oddly placed wagers to protect costumers.