Professional gaming competitions – where prize money can earn teams millions of dollars – could soon be subject to the same stringent drug testing protocols as Olympic events.
As interest in the US-based Electronic Sports League (ESL) grows, so does sponsorship and financial incentives for players.
That has brought with it the increased use of prescription drugs such as Adderall – usually given to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – to help gamers focus during competitions.
Kory Friesen, a high-level, professional Counter-Strike: Global Offensive player, admitted use of the drug was widespread among some teams.
The revelation by the American – who used to be a member of the Cloud9 team that is competing in Dubai – has led the ESL to consider introducing drug testing for competitors.
“Drug testing in e-sports is only a matter of time,” said Games 15 organiser Arafaat Ali Khan.
“With the prize money available now, the pressure is there and as e-sports grow we will see more testing measures.
“It has to change. The players need to compete on a level playing field but also we need to be taking care of the kids.
“The drugs will effect them adversely long-term and they may not see that now.”
nwebster@thenational.ae
