On October 17, the biggest tournament in the DOTA 2 community – The International 10 concluded with Team Spirit from the CIS region claiming the championship. This marks CIS’s first TI championship in exactly 10 years, since Natus Vincere won it at TI1 – the first TI in DOTA 2 history. The runner-up of TI10 was the Chinese team – PSG.LGD.
After the tournament, a drama unexpectedly erupted on the social network Weibo involving PSG.LGD’s coach – xiao8. He is also a renowned former DOTA 2 player in the populous nation, and despite retiring and having been involved in numerous backstage controversies, xiao8 is still regarded as an Esports legend here. However, this time, the accuser is xiao8’s ex-wife (his second wife).
Accordingly, xiao8’s ex-wife posted a series of images showing that xiao8 had placed bets on matches involving PSG.LGD and other games. There were even photos taken from a betting group that included xiao8 and some fans. More seriously, she also accused her ex-husband of bringing women home while she was pregnant. Furthermore, xiao8 was also accused by his ex-wife of having relations with a fan, but it was reported that this female fan later suffered from depression and even ended her life.
Additionally, she accused xiao8 of making up stories during conversations with fans to have the DOTA 2 legend’s fans insult and abuse her on social media. The xiao8 family also prevented her from seeing their child and physically abused her to the point where she had to seek police assistance. At one point, xiao8’s ex-wife fell into a state of depression and had to see a psychologist, but later, she was scolded by her husband for this.
In xiao8’s ex-wife’s post, there are many pictures from bets on matches involving PSG.LGD and other teams from the account “znzn9966”, which according to xiao8’s ex-wife, is indeed this former player’s account.
However, the post by xiao8’s ex-wife has led to a fierce debate among netizens in China, and surprisingly, most of the criticism has been directed towards her. Although she clearly explained that she is only posting now because of concern for the other members of PSG.LGD, some people still questioned her timing, suggesting that she is posting now simply because xiao8 has just become the runner-up of TI10 with PSG.LGD. Others argued that the prize money from TI10 is substantial enough that xiao8 wouldn’t need to gamble. Nevertheless, there are still some who stand by xiao8’s ex-wife or more calmly assert that there must be some hidden truths that need to be thoroughly investigated. Some even suggested that she could present this evidence to PSG.LGD and the authorities.
“ – Why did you wait until now to accuse him? Have you thought about your son’s feelings?
– How could a coach like xiao8 have enough influence on matches to gamble? Are you out of your mind? You don’t understand how a team works. The evidence is also unclear. I believe xiao8 is not involved in gambling.
– The odds this time and the ban/pick are also unusual. And he has been involved in similar dramas in the past, does anyone still plan to defend him?
– You can contact the police, but I think this organization (only PSG.LGD) won’t do anything.
– Why not post more recent evidence? These seem a bit outdated?
– For those asking why all the evidence is old: they divorced a long time ago, so how could she have recent evidence to capture?”
It cannot be denied that the evidence provided by xiao8’s ex-wife is quite flimsy and it is unclear if she has any other images. However, one undeniable fact is that xiao8 is one of the names in the DOTA 2 scene most entangled in drama, and issues related to domestic violence or gambling have previously “shook” the DOTA 2 community a few years ago.
However, if this incident is confirmed to be true, it will be a significant blow to the Esports scene in China, especially for the DOTA 2 discipline, as xiao8 is regarded as an icon and legend of this game in China. Not to mention, this drama will undoubtedly affect other members of PSG.LGD. Many are concerned that the runner-up of TI10 will face many difficulties ahead, especially if the gambling allegations involve other team members.