dota-2

Valve gives VAC bans to Dota 2 smurfs, including pro players, via 'Toxic Lump of Coal'

Valve issued VAC bans to Dota 2 accounts identified as smurfs over the holiday period, impacting both casual and professional players. Banned accounts received an in-game holiday item labeled the 'Toxic Lump of Coal' as a visible marker. The action targets smurfing and signals active enforcement of fair play in matchmaking and competitive scenes.

• Valve applied VAC bans to Dota 2 accounts identified as smurfs during the holidays.
• Both casual players and professional players were among those who received VAC bans.
• Banned accounts were marked in-game with a holiday item called the 'Toxic Lump of Coal'.
• The crackdown targets smurfing and underscores Valve's enforcement of fair play in matchmaking and the competitive scene.