The ESL One Raleigh Qualifiers have been embroiled in controversy after the discovery of a game-breaking bug that allowed teams to gain unfair advantages.
The bug provided players with the ability to detect if the opposing team had used a smoke item while in the fog of war. This bug was not explicitly communicated as still being banned, leading to confusion and subsequent penalties for several teams.
What Happened
During the qualifiers, teams could exploit the bug to gain knowledge about enemy positioning without the other team being aware. The bug was triggered when a player attempted to interact with an enemy’s smoke item that had already been used.
This allowed players to gather crucial strategic information, such as avoiding ganks or preparing for team fights, which normally would be hidden from view.
Despite being banned in other major tournaments, such as ESL One Bangkok and BLAST SLAM, many teams were unaware that the bug was still prohibited for ESL One Raleigh. This led to significant abuse during the qualifiers, most notably by NAVI Junior.
Image via ESL.
NAVI Junior and Other Teams Affected
NAVI Junior came under scrutiny after a complaint was filed by AVULUS following their match in the lower bracket final. The investigation revealed that NAVI Junior had repeatedly exploited the bug throughout their qualifiers.
However, initial checks missed similar instances with other teams, prompting a more thorough review. Ultimately, NAVI Junior was disqualified for systematic bug abuse.
Other teams, such as 9Pandas and Aurora Gaming, were also found to have extensively used the bug and have been disqualified as well. The severity of their abuse led to sanctions, while teams like Team Secret and Virtus.Pro, which used the bug only occasionally, will face fines.
Image via ESL.
Sanction Breakdown
- Systematic Abuse of the Bug: 9Pandas, NAVI Junior, and Aurora Gaming will be disqualified, with NAVI Junior’s qualification revoked. These teams are barred from further participation in the event.
- Moderate Abuse: Teams like Passion UA and Virtus.Pro will be penalized with fines.
- Minor Abuse: Teams like Team Secret will receive warnings for sporadic use of the bug.
- Accidental Use: Teams like Nigma Galaxy and TALON, who triggered the bug accidentally, will face no penalties.
The Final Verdict
The final ruling includes the disqualification of three teams, with others facing fines or warnings based on the extent of the abuse. No sanctions will be imposed on teams that accidentally used the bug or did so in an inconclusive manner. The tournament organizers have stated their intention to clarify rules and improve oversight to prevent future issues.
Looking Ahead
Tournament organizers are encouraging teams to report any instances of bug abuse in the future, ensuring a fair and competitive environment. The findings from this investigation will be used to refine the rules for future Dota 2 events, ensuring that players understand and follow the expectations regarding fair play.
The ESL One Raleigh qualifiers have been a reminder of the importance of clear communication regarding tournament rules and the need for strong oversight to protect the integrity of the competition.
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