Since the end of 2022, the Kick streaming platform has experienced remarkable growth, buoyed by the endorsements of several prominent streamers. This surge appears to have enticed professional players to establish accounts on the platform, with Dota 2 pro Artour “Arteezy” Babaev among them. However, this move has seemingly come at the expense of losing respect from a faction of his fan base.
A little over two weeks ago, the Shopify Rebellion ace executed a strategic shift, actively participating in live streaming Dota 2 on Kick and extending invitations to his fans to tune in to his new streaming account. Nevertheless, recent developments have drawn attention, revealing that Arteezy has been live streaming gambling games in the intervals between his Dota 2 session.
In a particular clip, Arteezy’s account, now boasting over 10,000 followers, showcases him playing online slot machines and various casino games. This has fueled speculation that he may have entered into a sponsorship agreement with Stake, the primary backer of the Kick platform.
Criticism has not been in short supply, with a considerable number of Arteezy’s fans and members of the international Dota 2 community expressing disappointment, deeming this a downturn in his career. Some have resorted to humor, poking fun at his past as a “serial bottler” and insinuating that he turns to unconventional solutions due to perceived shortcomings in winning major competitions over the course of his career.
However, defenders within the community argue that Arteezy’s decision may have been financially motivated, suggesting that Kick likely presented an enticing deal that could secure a substantial financial future for the player. Additionally, there is an ongoing discourse about the role of gambling within the broader sports industry, with some downplaying its significance compared to public perception.
The issue of gambling has become a highly sensitive subject in the Dota 2 community, persisting in debates over the years and recently gaining heightened attention after Tommy “Taiga” Le, a professional player for Bleed Esports, publicly disclosed on social media that he underwent rehabilitation to battle his gambling addiction.
