The Electronic Sports League has made a very important decision, following a Cloud 9 scandal. Cory “Semphis” Friesen revealed that he and his team used Adderall when competing in the ESL One Katowice 2015 Counter Strike: Global Offensive tournament with $250,000 in prizes. Cloud 9 didn’t win, that honor went to team Fnatic, which earned the $100,000 grand prize, but Semphis and his team’s actions have had serious reprocussions on Esports. Namely, the ESL will begin drug testing.
Which is, frankly, the best idea. This isn’t some match for fun. Esports have turned into a legitimate business. Substantial amounts of money are at stake. People spend months and years training for these gaming events. It isn’t fair to them for another team to potentially have an edge by abusing a prescription drug like Adderall. Or recreational drugs (like Speed) that may have some sort of influence either, which the ESL will also begin testing for.
It only makes sense. Other sports do regular, random drug testing. If people want Esports to be taken seriously, they should understand that stricter guidelines are a part of that. It shows a level of professionalism and a respect for the people and games that are being played, which will hopefully carry over and make people who are watching have more respect for Esports, the teams, and the ESL as well.
Especially since ESPN is beginning to televise eSports events. The Heroes of the Storm Heroes of the Dorm tournament was broadcast on ESPN2, after a prior Dota 2 The International broadcast in 2014 performed well. If Esports and the ESL are going to become mainstream, then a little conformity is necessary.
7271241_01.jpg)
Granted, there would have to be some consideration. Given what happened with Cloud 9, Adderall will likely be on the list of drugs the ESL screens for in a test. Some distinction needs to be made for people who use it legitimately to treat ADHD. Still, I’m confident that this would be handled properly to ensure Esports maintains a proper level of professionalism.
That’s what this is really all about – professionalism. Esports’ presence has boomed in the past few years, and that sort of sudden growth means that professional measures are going to have to be considered and implemented now that it’s enjoyed on a wider scale. Even if it seems a bit strict, silly, or overblown, something like drug testing is for the greater good, and Esports will be better for it.