Counter-Strike esports has seen some controversial dust kicked up with the ESIC issuing a ruling on Astralis’ controversial substitution and replacement of Alexander “br0” Bro with Casper “cadiaN” Moller.
The ESIC has long been a controversial entity within the world of Counter-Strike esports. From conflict of interest concerns to its open admissions of poor investigative practices, the commission has been brushed off by fans and pro players alike. But that sentiment is growing, judging from its latest ruling.
ESIC made a ruling and issued a fine in regards to Astralis’ handling of br0 and cadiaN during the 2024 BLAST Fall Final. This was met with open mockery and insult by multiple pro players.
Astralis faced an investigation due to the late addition of cadiaN to its roster as a replacement for br0 in the 2024 BLAST Fall Finals event.
The organization added cadiaN as its new in-game leader on September 17. This was nine days before the start of the 2024 BLAST Fall Finals. Ahead of the event, other organizations received notice of the substitution with BLAST reportedly citing a medical emergency.
This reportedly wasn’t true. According to the ESIC, Astrails told BLAST it made the substitution because br0 was “unfit to play.” Astralis then added cadiaN to the team. BLAST reportedly didn’t look into the matter beyond taking Astralis’ word, but cited a medical emergency in its notification to competitors. br0’s agent then disputed the notion of him being “unfit” and the player was officially kicked with an offhand mention in the announcement of cadiaN’s signing.
The situation drew widespread attention from esports fans. It also generated intense scrutiny of Astralis, an organization that has long faced criticism for its handling of players.
As a result of the investigation into the swap of cadiaN and br0, Astralis faces a $15,000 from the ESIC.
Numerous prominent figures in and around Counter-Strike esports heavily criticized the ESIC for its ruling.
The commission faced particular criticism for seemingly weighing Astralis’ poor results. Among those echoing that sentiment were Team Liquid coach Wilton “zews” Prado, who discussed the multi-year bans faced by coaches who were caught using the coaching bug.
Commentator Geordie “Mac” McAleer also criticized the disproportionately light punishment faced by Astralis. He cited how Australian semi-pro players faced what amounted to lifetime bans for betting on Counter-Strike events they weren’t a part of.
Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo was even more direct, simply telling the ESIC to go away.
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