The world of professional Dota 2 is no stranger to intense rivalries and high-stakes drama. Yet, the recent public exchange between veteran coach Kanishka Sam “BuLba” Sosale and former Shopify Rebellion player Mark “mangekyou” Kharlamov has peeled back a layer of the competitive scene, revealing a complex web of accusations ranging from bullying to professional misconduct and, ultimately, match-fixing.
The Player`s Admission and Allegations
The saga began with mangekyou`s stark admission: he confessed to participating in 322 matches – the infamous term for match-fixing within the esports community. This confession, a significant blow to the integrity of the scene, was coupled with equally grave personal accusations against his former coach, BuLba. In a public letter, mangekyou detailed a strained relationship, alleging that Sosale subjected him to periodic humiliation, constant criticism of his gameplay, and even claimed BuLba had once shattered his monitor out of frustration. It painted a picture of a young player under immense pressure, allegedly at the receiving end of a coach`s wrath.
The Coach`s Rebuttal: A Different Narrative
BuLba, a respected figure in the Dota 2 coaching sphere, wasted no time in refuting mangekyou`s claims. His counter-narrative presented a drastically different perspective. Sosale vehemently denied any acts of bullying or humiliation, instead characterizing mangekyou as a highly problematic team member. BuLba`s account highlighted a pattern of:
- Toxicity: An uncooperative and negative attitude.
- Tardiness: Consistently late for team engagements.
- Lack of Communication: Minimal interaction both in-game and during practice sessions.
- Misplaced Priorities: A preference for personal streams and matchmaking over team responsibilities.
- Practice Refusals: Explicitly refusing to participate in scheduled scrims, leading to cancellations and wasted team time.
According to BuLba, these behavioral issues created an untenable environment, making professional team cohesion impossible.
The Match-Fixing Evidence and Professional Consequences
While the personal dispute simmered, a more severe professional crisis was unfolding. BuLba revealed that he eventually obtained concrete evidence linking mangekyou to the aforementioned 322 matches. This was the undeniable turning point. Upon receiving this proof, the management of Shopify Rebellion, mangekyou`s team at the time, took swift action, deciding to part ways with the player. The integrity of competitive play is paramount, and match-fixing, often referred to as `322` in Dota 2 circles after a notorious incident, carries severe, often career-ending, penalties.
A Turbulent Tenure at Shopify Rebellion
mangekyou`s stint with Shopify Rebellion was relatively brief, spanning from September 2024 to February 2025. During his time, the team achieved modest results, including a 7th-8th place finish at ESL One Bangkok 2024 and a 15th-16th place at FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025. These results, while not disastrous, certainly didn`t mark a period of exceptional success, adding another layer to the potential frustrations experienced by both the player and the coaching staff. As of now, mangekyou is not actively competing on the professional scene, a consequence that often follows such serious accusations.
The Unspoken Challenges of Esports
This public spat between BuLba and mangekyou serves as a stark reminder of the unique pressures within esports. Beyond the glamour of international tournaments and prize pools, there`s the intense, often unforgiving, environment of team dynamics, demanding schedules, and the constant pursuit of perfection. Player welfare, mental health, and the strict adherence to competitive integrity are ongoing challenges that organizations and players alike must navigate. While the specifics of personal grievances might remain clouded by conflicting accounts, the concrete evidence of match-fixing leaves little room for ambiguity, underscoring the vital importance of upholding fairness in competitive gaming.
Note: This article is based on publicly available information and statements made by the individuals involved.
