Dendi after Ukraine sanctions their sponsor: "We are facing a financial crisis, searching for resources to pay our team and partners and continue our operations"
2023-03-15 12:29:00Ukrainian sanctions on more than 280 betting and gambling companies took their toll on the local esports industry. Dota 2 legend Danil "Dendi" Ishutin commented to Dexerto's Luis Mira on this situation, stating that his organization B8 is "facing a financial crisis" and might struggle to operate because of what's happened.
We had plans to establish a long-term partnership with Parimatch, with the goal of helping to develop esports in Ukraine, starting from March 1. However, the recent news has come as a shock to us all. We are currently facing a financial crisis and are actively searching for resources to pay our team and partners and continue our operations.
Many of the sanctioned companies were affiliated with Russia, but there's also Ukrainian bookmaker Parimatch, a known entity in esports, which claims to have no connection to Russian money. Dendi's B8 recently ended their contract with EsportsBet and already put Parimatch's banner as their primary sponsor.
The betting company is currently trying to appeal the government's decision. In a recent statement, Parimatch framed the state actions against the bookie as "psychological and economical terrorism." According to Parimatch, they have been pressured by the authorities for a long time.
Dendi is the founder and owner of B8. Its Dota division, with the legendary midlaner himself, competes in North American DPC league.
