ESIC Opens Inquiry into CS:GO Coaching Bug Exploitation

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has initiated an inquiry into the potential misuse of an in-game bug that has reportedly been providing esports players with an advantage since 2016. Known as the 'coaching bug,' this exploit enabled coaches to observe Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) matches with a ‘free camera,’ granting them visibility from any location on the map. As a result, coaches could inform their teams about opponents' positions, creating an unfair competitive edge. Following an investigation led by ESIC, three team coaches were banned by esports tournament organizers ESL and DreamHack for their use of the bug. However, ESIC disclosed that new evidence suggests the bug may have been exploited dating back to 2016, leading to its decision to open an official inquiry. ESIC stated, "ESIC believes that detection, exposure and punishment of any entity involved in cheating in esports is in the best interest of competitive integrity, and ultimately, the interests of the industry." This extensive inquiry will analyze around 25,000 demos of CS:GO games played from 2016 to 2020. As a result of this analysis, ESIC will establish standardized sanctions for any parties found to be in violation. Additionally, a manual review of all key suspect demos will be conducted, with reports on sanctions to be released monthly after the inquiry concludes. HTLV.org, a dedicated CS:GO news website acquired by Better Collective in March, will assist in the inquiry by providing access to about 5TB of demo footage. The inquiry is anticipated to last eight months and will encompass all of ESIC's member organizations, including ESL, DreamHack, BLAST, WePlay, Eden Esports, UMG, and UCC. ESIC will also conduct a 'confession period' from September 4 to September 13, allowing individuals to admit any wrongdoing related to the bug. Those found guilty of exploiting the bug will have the option to appeal decisions to ESIC's independent disciplinary panel. This inquiry coincides with the conclusion of ESIC's extensive investigation into alleged match-fixing in the Mountain Dew League (MDL), during which it has conducted 15 investigations. The inquiry was prompted by multiple suspicious betting alerts received via ESIC’s global integrity monitoring framework over the past year and a half. The MDL, a collaboration between ESL and the beverage brand Mountain Dew, provides amateur players with a platform to enter the competitive gaming arena.