Electronic Sports League Adopting World Anti-Doping Agency’s Rules

The Electronic Sports League is adopting the World Anti-Doping Agency's rules, meaning you can be banned for the likes of non-prescription steroids or marijuana.

According to Polygon, the Electronic Sports League pro gaming organization is cracking down on recreational drug use within its ranks. Originally revealed on Counter-Strike's Reddit, the ESL will start randomized testing for various stimulants, narcotics, cannabinoids and other kinds of contraband substances. This follows last month's major announcement that the ESL would start randomized drug testing in response to pro Counter-Strike player Kory "Semphis" Friesen admitting that he and many other players were using Adderall, a drug meant to treat ADHD, during the ESL One Katowice event earlier this year.

Here's what the official post said about these new policies:

What are the substances ESL will be testing for?
There is a list of prohibited substances which was defined by WADA and NADA use. We are going to refer to this list to establish what is forbidden to use at our events. This means that no player should take drugs/medication that contain ingredients from this list, as this may cause them turning in positive tests results.

How will ESL be testing?
While choosing the kind of test we want to use, we had to consider a couple of important factors. How invasive the method of testing is, and how reliable will the results be, and how quickly will we get them? We initially announced we will be working with skin tests, but upon further investigation and consultation with the authorities, we came to the conclusion that saliva tests are better fit.

Tests will be performed at our discretion at any time during tournament days, and will take place in a designated testing area. Naturally, player’s privacy comes first.

Will everyone be tested?
ESL One Cologne will only see randomized tests, however we don’t want to exclude the possibility of performing a larger number of tests among all/majority of players at a later stage. Should the testing policy and method change, we will inform the players accordingly.

What if a player has a legitimate prescription for medication (such as Adderall) containing one or more of the banned substances?
In this case, they have to disclose this to us as soon as possible, but no later than the first match is scheduled to start. They will be required to provide proof (a letter from a physician, for example) that they need this specific medication.

The ESL will be prohibiting the use of these substances from the beginning to the end of their major competitions, including ones that span multiple days. Testing positive has a variety of punishments, including disqualification from the event, a maximum two-year-ban from the ESL, and even a forfeiture of prize money.

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