DreamHack, following guidance from the Esports Integrity Coalition (ESIC), unbanned both the ex-iBUYPOWER and ex-Epsilon rosters on the 6th of September. Following suit from ESL’s decision to unban the players in July, DreamHack’s decision means that both of the largest Counter Strike tournament organisers now recognise ESIC. As well lifting the bans placed upon the rosters banned for match-fixing, DreamHack also followed ESIC guidance by introducing the following rulings against unethical and corrupt behaviour within esports:

Cheating: Disqualification from the tournament, results voided, forfeiture of prize money, ban between 2 year and lifetime depending on age and level of player and nature/size of tournament and how the player cheated (this offence includes “smurfing” where both parties involved are liable to sanctions). Cheating at a competition played above an amateur level (i.e. where significant prize pool is involved or qualification for a professional event is at stake) should normally result in a 5 year ban, but in aggravating circumstances, can result in a lifetime ban.

Disqualification from the tournament, results voided, forfeiture of prize money, ban between 2 year and lifetime depending on age and level of player and nature/size of tournament and how the player cheated (this offence includes “smurfing” where both parties involved are liable to sanctions). Cheating at a competition played above an amateur level (i.e. where significant prize pool is involved or qualification for a professional event is at stake) should normally result in a 5 year ban, but in aggravating circumstances, can result in a lifetime ban. Match-Fixing/betting fraud: Results voided, 5 year ban unless significant mitigating factors in line with the ESIC Anti-Corruption Code or, in the presence of aggravating circumstances, a longer ban, forfeiture of prize money and monetary fine (if discovered before the end of a tournament, disqualification).

Results voided, 5 year ban unless significant mitigating factors in line with the ESIC Anti-Corruption Code or, in the presence of aggravating circumstances, a longer ban, forfeiture of prize money and monetary fine (if discovered before the end of a tournament, disqualification). Doping: Results voided, ban of between 1 and 2 years, forfeiture of prize money (if discovered before the end of a tournament, disqualification).

Results voided, ban of between 1 and 2 years, forfeiture of prize money (if discovered before the end of a tournament, disqualification). Competition manipulation and bribery: Results voided, ban of between 1 and 2 years, forfeiture of prize money and monetary fine (if discovered before the end of a tournament, disqualification).

Due to both ESL and DreamHack adopting ESIC’s policies, esports may finally have a universally accepted regulatory body. If other tournament organisers such as Faceit and Eleague follow suit, ESIC could independently investigate matters of corruption within Esports, without interference from any businesses. In the end of the day, all tournament organisers, game developers and esports organisations function to deliver a profit to investors and stakeholders. In theory, ESIC will not be limited in the same way and thus can pass entirely unbiased judgements.

For many years, issues relating to match manipulation, betting fraud and conflicts of interest have plagued esports, without an organisation with whom the issues can be discussed and further investigated. ESIC now slowly, but surely, begins to become a body who can resolve such issues in a impartial manner. Their mission statement clearly illustrates that they intend to become this body.

“To be the recognised guardian of the sporting integrity of esports and to take responsibility for disruption, prevention, investigation and prosecution of all forms of cheating, including, but not limited to, match manipulation and doping.” -ESIC Mission Statement

Finally, Michael Van Driel, Chief Product Officer at DreamHack, had the following to say about the tournament organiser’s newly found partnership with ESIC:

“We are proud to be members of ESIC … As all aspects of our esport competitions continue to grow, the need for an assisting regulatory body has become more and more apparent, while it took us some time to internally review and ratify the ESIC recommendations which came out a couple of months ago, we are happy to be able to rely on ESIC’s consultation and expertise on these matters.”

What do you think about DreamHack following suit to ESL’s decision to observe the ESIC recommendations? Do you feel the ESIC sanctions for malintentioned players are fair? Tweet @_XelaCSGO with your thoughts.