What Is ESIC?

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) was established in 2016 as a regulatory body dedicated to ensuring fair play and eliminating unethical practices in competitive gaming. With the rise of esports as a global industry, concerns around cheating, match-fixing, and doping have become increasingly prevalent. ESIC exists to combat these threats and uphold the integrity of esports competitions worldwide.

By uniting key stakeholders—including tournament organisers, game publishers, and betting operators—ESIC works to create a transparent and accountable esports ecosystem where fair competition thrives.

The Role of ESIC in Esports

ESIC functions as a watchdog for competitive gaming, investigating unethical behavior and enforcing disciplinary actions against individuals and organizations that violate integrity standards. As a not-for-profit association, ESIC provides guidance, education, and regulatory oversight to maintain a level playing field in esports.

Companies and organisations involved in esports—whether as leagues, developers, or betting platforms—are encouraged to partner with ESIC to strengthen the fight against corruption and build a more ethical industry.

ESIC’s Core Principles

To protect esports from misconduct and unethical behavior, ESIC operates under six key principles that define its mission and regulatory approach.

1. Integrity and Respect

All esports participants—including players, coaches, referees, and industry professionals—are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity. Cheating, harassment, and unsportsmanlike conduct have no place in esports. Respect for fellow competitors, tournament officials, and the rules of the game is fundamental to preserving the credibility of competitions.

2. Fair and Transparent Processes

Disciplinary actions in esports must follow fair procedures. ESIC ensures that all investigations, rulings, and penalties adhere to natural justice principles, protecting the rights of all parties involved while maintaining competitive integrity.

3. Standardised Regulations and Education

Consistency in integrity enforcement is essential. ESIC promotes industry-wide policies that set clear expectations for ethical conduct. Additionally, education programs help players, teams, and officials understand the risks of corruption and how to avoid unethical behavior.

4. Recognition and Enforcement of Sanctions

To ensure accountability, sanctions imposed by ESIC or its partners are recognized and enforced across esports organizations. This means that players or teams found guilty of integrity violations cannot evade consequences by switching leagues or competitions.

5. Information Sharing for Greater Transparency

Collaboration is key to combating corruption in esports. ESIC encourages intelligence-sharing among its members, including tournament organisers and betting platforms, to strengthen investigations into match-fixing, cheating, and other unethical activities.

6. Confidentiality and Responsible Communication

Integrity cases require careful handling. ESIC and its members commit to strict confidentiality protocols to prevent misinformation or reputational harm, ensuring that allegations and investigations are conducted responsibly.

Why ESIC Matters for Esports

Esports has become a billion-dollar industry, but its future depends on maintaining credibility and fair competition. Without proper oversight, issues like match-fixing, cheating, and doping can damage the industry’s reputation, deter investors, and diminish fan trust.

By enforcing integrity standards, ESIC helps protect esports from corruption, ensuring that competitions remain fair and that players succeed based on skill rather than unethical advantages.

The Future of Integrity in Esports

As esports continues to evolve, regulatory oversight will be crucial to maintaining its legitimacy. Organizations that join ESIC’s mission contribute to a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable competitive gaming landscape.

For tournament organisers, game developers, and industry stakeholders, aligning with ESIC means committing to a future where esports is built on honesty, skill, and true competition.