Mongolian esports organization ATOX has been officially disqualified and banned from participating in PGL Counter-Strike events following a provisional suspension issued by the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC).
This decision prevents the team from competing in the Asian closed qualifier for the upcoming PGL Bucharest tournament.
PGL and BLAST Ban ATOX Amid ESIC Investigation
PGL announced the ban on March 6, 2025, citing ESIC’s provisional suspension as the primary reason. As a result, ATOX is also barred from participating in the BLAST Open Lisbon tournament.
While ESIC has not disclosed specific details regarding the suspension, reports suggest the organization is under investigation for suspected match-fixing during Season 20 of the ESL Pro League.
Prominent Chinese Counter-Strike 2 commentator Yunqing ‘Searph’ Hu revealed additional insights on social media, stating:
“ESIC internally stated that the investigation may last for several weeks. The organizer of the next competition for this team has already been informed and is prepared to implement a ban at any time.”
ESIC’s Role in Esports Integrity
ESIC is committed to maintaining fair play and integrity in esports, frequently taking decisive action against individuals and teams violating competitive ethics.
- In March 2025, ESIC imposed a three-year ban on Ukrainian CS2 player Ilya ‘Ganginho’ Chernychenko for betting-related violations.
- The Commission has previously handled high-profile match-fixing cases, leading to suspensions and bans for multiple professional players and teams.
What’s Next for ATOX?
The future of ATOX in Counter-Strike esports remains uncertain. The length of their ban will depend on the severity of the ESIC investigation’s findings. If found guilty of match-fixing, the organization could face an extended suspension from professional play.
Final Thoughts
For now, ATOX is excluded from all PGL and BLAST tournaments, with their competitive future hanging in the balance. More details are expected to emerge as the ESIC investigation progresses.
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