Ceb, one of the most respected figures in Dota 2 history, has voiced strong concerns about the growing threat of cheats and hacks within the game.
The two-time International champion, best known for his back-to-back victories with OG in 2018 and 2019, recently warned that “the amount of people using cheats and hacks in Dota is just going up and up.” His statement has struck a chord across the community, raising questions about how well competitive integrity is being safeguarded despite Valve’s high-profile ban waves in recent years.
The legendary offlaner‘s words carry weight because of his achievements and continued involvement in esports. He might now be serving as Technical Director for SRG.OG’s Mobile Legends division, but he still maintains a close connection to Dota 2 and its player base. His experience competing at the very highest level gives him credibility when discussing issues that directly impact the fairness of matches, whether for casual players or aspiring professionals.
The timing of his warning is critical. Team Falcons’ victory at The International 2025 brought fresh attention to the competitive scene, with player count on a steady rise after a difficult period earlier in the year. Yet Ceb’s comments highlight an uncomfortable truth: despite the game’s resurgence, the everyday matchmaking environment continues to face challenges from individuals looking to exploit the system.
Valve has taken significant steps to address these issues. The most notable example came in February 2023, when the developer executed a sophisticated “honeypot” operation that resulted in over 40,000 permanent bans. Hidden data was deliberately planted within a patch, accessible only through third-party software, providing Valve with irrefutable evidence of cheating.
The accounts caught were using vision-based hacks such as map cheats, which revealed information that was never intended to be visible. Valve confirmed at the time that “every ban was well-deserved” and made it clear that their zero-tolerance stance applies across all levels, including professionals.
However, enforcement didn’t stop there. Throughout 2024 and 2025, Valve removed more than 75,000 accounts tied to smurfing following the launch of Compendium 2024. Additional crackdowns targeted griefers in high-ranked matchmaking and accounts that had been purchased or shared, all of which distort the competitive environment. These efforts show that Valve recognizes the importance of trust in the system and continues to dedicate resources toward preserving it.
Recent developments suggest the company may also be updating its anti-cheat technology alongside improvements to the Source 2 engine. Reports indicate that Valve has invested in machine learning hardware specifically for VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat), potentially laying the groundwork for smarter, more adaptive systems.