In the wake of public admissions that a whole bunch of pro Counter-Strike players have been taking the ADHD drug Adderall, the ESL (Electronic Sports League) have announced plans to start drug testing their competitors.


Motherboard reports that while the ESL won’t be taking action against any of those who admitted to taking the drug previously, it will “soon introduce and begin policing performance-enhancing drugs at its events” to catch those taking it (and other drugs) in the future.

It might surprise you that the ESL is having to take this step, but it’s actually a first; other pro leagues and circuits like The International and LCS don’t test their competitors either, though it’d be crazy if they weren’t at least considering it after this.


Why the testing? While intended as a prescription drug for the treatment of ADHD, Adderall is an amphetamine, and when taken by pro gamers increases their energy rate and attention.

