ESIC has launched an investigation into Clown Crew members. The players have been temporarily suspended from tournaments.

This includes unusual camera movements, reactions to opponents’ actions outside the field of view, as well as the possible receipt of unauthorized information via “radar,” a second screen, or other sources. Additionally, the commission is examining whether these incidents are linked to match-fixing or other violations of fair play principles. A separate review of Christian “Accel” Cruz’s gameplay is also mentioned.

For the duration of the investigation, all team members—including stand-ins, coaches, analysts, managers, and other staff—have been suspended from tournaments affiliated with ESIC. Commission representatives emphasized that this is a precautionary measure, not a final decision, and that the suspension period may be counted toward any future sanctions if sanctions are imposed following the investigation.

BarrancoBar, later renamed Clown Crew, participated in open and closed qualifiers for major tournaments and smaller regional events. In late April, the team was disqualified from Get Good League Season 2.

Previously, ESIC issued lifetime bans against Tommy “Taiga” Lee and Alexander “Sensibility” Filatov for participating in and organizing match-fixing on the professional Dota 2 scene. They are prohibited from participating in or attending events organized by the commission’s partners in any capacity.

Photo — Steffie Wunderl, ESL Gaming GmbH.