I got into a debate about whether Sakyo was "played" by Toguro in the fight between Toguro and Yusuke.
So Sakyo's plan is that when Toguro defeats Yusuke and wins the Dark Tournament, he's going to create a large, stable tunnel between the Demon World and the Human World. By doing this, demons of all sizes and power will be able to pass through, creating a new world which is run by fear and strength.
In the end, Toguro is defeated and Sakyo's plan is fruitless since he's lost his entire fortune, which would be needed to create the portal. Sakyo still honors his end of the bet by dying since he wagered his life on Toguro to win.
However, this is where it gets interesting.
When they're discussing Toguro after Yusuke wins, the point arises on what Toguro was actually doing:
- Kuwabara: So he threw the fight?
- Kurama: No. He wanted to be legitimately defeated by someone stronger.
However, Koenma states to Toguro that he was a vital part to Sakyo's plan being stopped:
- Koenma: I’ve weighed your demon crimes against your human achievements. And considering that Sakyo’s plan ended in part because of you, a slight punishment will be sufficient. Please — you do have time to reconsider...
If Toguro was trying to be legitimately defeated by Yusuke, meaning he didn't want to die unless Yusuke could actually kill him, then I don't see how Sakyo is being betrayed.
Even if Sakyo knew of Toguro's true intentions, that he wanted to be defeated by the student of the woman he loved, Toguro wasn't trying to throw the fight. Even if Toguro believes that Yusuke is more powerful than he is, that he can truly beat Toguro, I don't see Sakyo being bothered by this fact, because Toguro is going all out to try to defeat him.