'It’s incredibly widespread': why eSports has a match-fixing problem

As the multimillion-dollar industry's worth and growth have accelerated, regulators have struggled to clamp down on illegal gambling

In 2017, the global eSports economy was estimated to stand at around $696m, attracting an audience of over 385 million people, according to Newzoo. But the industry's formidable growth has attracted more than just hordes of professional gamers, avid viewers and brands offering lucrative sponsorship deals.

Organised criminals and low-level chancers have seen an opportunity to influence match outcomes and profit from them in betting markets. As the industry has grown, a string of match-fixing scandals have unfolded, embroiling some of the most prestigious competitive gaming tournaments.