DreamHack lifts indefinite lifetime bans

DreamHack is now the second tournament organiser to implement the suggestions of the Esports Integrity Coalition (ESIC), of which it is a member, after ESL announced in July that it would follow the association's guidelines.

The updated rules will apply not only to players involved in match-fixing incidents, such as the former iBUYPOWER and Epsilon members, but also to players who have VAC bans preceding February 15, 2015.

ex-iBUYPOWER will be allowed to compete at DreamHack events

All of DreamHack's large-scale CS:GO competition, including the Open and the Masters events, will follow the new rules. However, the bans in question will still be in place should DreamHack host a tournament sponsored by Valve, such as a Minor or a Major. 

"We are proud to be members of ESIC,” Michael Van Driel, Chief Product Officer at DreamHack, said in a statement.

"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."

In accordance with ESIC's suggestions, DreamHack's new policy for first-time offenders is the following:

• 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.
• 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).
• Doping: 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).

DreamHack added that repeat offences will result in "far harsher sanctions" and, in the cases of cheating or match-fixing, a potential lifetime ban from esports.