Dota 2 icon Yatoro banned from Twitch, here’s why

Dota 2 player Illya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk has received another Twitch ban during his break from competitive play, and fans are clamoring to learn why.

Formerly a carry for Team Spirit, the Ukrainian player Yatoro was part of the team that won The International 2021 and The International 2023. More recently, he has made the transition to streaming Dota 2 content and reporting on live tournaments, citing the need for a break from the competitive scene. Yatoro currently has almost 400,000 followers under the handle YatorOxx. However, the former player has found himself banned from Twitch,  and it’s not for the first time.

Here’s what fans know so far about Yatoro’s Twitch ban and when they can expect to watch his streams again.

Yatoro banned from Twitch due to a rival commentator

Twitch has reportedly banned Yatoro for seven days because of a report from another streamer at the same event.

While covering the BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024 tournament, Yatoro received a ban on his Twitch account. On his Telegram account, he posted a message claiming that another Dota 2 commenter, Alexander “Nix” Levin, reported him. Nix was a Russian player on Hellraisers from 2016 to 2021, and he notably is one of the largest Dota 2 streaming accounts. However, some feel that Yatoro could be making a joke rather than a real accusation.

Streamers are under no obligation to share the exact reason they were banned, and it isn’t public information. Whether it was a joke or not, all fans have to go on is Yatoro’s word. Additionally, Yatoro has not shared whether or not he will appeal the ban. His seven-day ban is longer than other streamers who have recently been banned. The exact reason for this is unclear, although Twitch is known for giving inconsistent penalties.

How many times has Yatoro been banned on Twitch?

Yatoro has been banned two times on Twitch within the last year.

Yatoro isn’t a stranger to Twitch bans. In December of 2023, the streamer received his first seven-day ban since he started his channel back in 2019. Allegedly, he was exhibiting inappropriate behavior by using a homophobic Russian slur in a live stream with former Team Spirit teammate Miroslav “Mira” Kolpakov. This is not the only time he used inappropriate language, but it was the only time he was banned for it.

Yatoro fans will only have to wait until October 28 to see the streamer back playing Dota 2. If they get really lucky, perhaps his inevitable return to Team Spirit or professional Dota 2 will follow shortly.