In 2022, professional TEKKEN player Arslan Esh was found guilty of using banned doping substances, resulting in sanctions being imposed on him by the International Esports Federation (IESF). However, following the final decision, the ESIC esports commission recently announced that it disagrees with this decision and will not implement the restrictions.

IESF allegations

While participating in the 2022 World Esports Championship, Arslan Siddique (nickname Arslan Ash) was caught using doping. After doping control, he tested positive for 19-norandrosterone, 19-noretiocholanolone, stanozolol metabolites, and methandienone metabolites.

Although the player won the tournament, the investigation against him continued and only recently came to an end. On June 19, IESF representatives reported that, according to the results of the investigation, Arslan Ash had used anabolic androgenic steroids, which are included in the WADA prohibited list. As a result, he was suspended from all IESF competitions from April 26, 2023, to April 25, 2025, and all his titles and prize money at WEC 22 were disqualified.

ESIC's reaction

However, immediately after this announcement, the ESIC esports commission officially stated that it would not comply with these restrictions. ESIC representatives reported that all drugs and prohibited substances found in Arslan Ash are only relevant to traditional sports, as they affect the muscular and physical components of the body. In the case of esports competitions, the doping found does not give the player an advantage, and therefore the IESF's decision is unfounded.

Without a scientifically sound and specifically designed approach to combating doping in esports, serious consequences for the integrity of competitions are inevitable, as this incident shows. ESIC remains firmly committed to a fair, evidence-based anti-doping system and will continue to encourage all members to rely on ESIC's established and proven approach.

Comment from Arslan Ash

The player himself later gave an interview to Propakistani. In it, he stated that he was unaware that these drugs were banned and immediately stopped using them.

I didn't know these drugs were banned in esports,“ he told the publication. ”I never used them to gain any advantage in games. Once I learned about their risks and anti-doping rules, I stopped using them completely.

There has been no response to the situation from the IESF yet.