The Challenges of Regulating E-Doping

For those who follow the NHL, Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad was recently suspended for 20 games for violating the NHL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.[1] From Barry Bonds to Lance Armstrong, doping in sports has a long history. However, with the rise of esports, a parallel phenomenon known as “e-doping” is emerging as a significant issue in the video game industry.

The use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), particularly stimulants like Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin, are known to enhance key attributes for competitive gaming such as focus, attention, and reaction times. Anecdotal reports suggest that the misuse of prescription stimulants is widespread among professional gamers. Indeed, a 2020 Washington Post article highlighted that rampant Adderall abuse is an “open secret” in the esports community.[2]

In response to concerns about PED use, the Electronic Sports League (ESL) introduced an anti-doping policy.[3]However, enforcing such regulations remains challenging due to factors such as the legality of prescription drugs and the decentralized nature of esports. Regarding the first issue, unscrupulous players can circumvent anti-doping restrictions by obtaining an ADHD diagnosis, making it difficult to distinguish between legitimate medical use and performance enhancement.[4] The second issue stems from the fragmented nature of esports. Unlike traditional sports, competitive gaming lacks uniform regulations across different games and leagues, and players often compete remotely. While games such as Fortnite and Overwatch have policies stating that prescription drugs should not be used solely to enhance gaming performance, there is currently no feasible way for any governing body to monitor PED use among players consistently.[5]

As the popularity of competitive gaming continues to grow, so too do sponsorship deals and prize pools, increasing the incentives to seek an unfair advantage. The gaming industry must work toward ensuring a level playing field to maintain fair competition. However, what is the best way to address the issue of PED use in esports?

[1] “Panthers’ Aaron Ekblad suspended 20 games for PED program violation” Sportsnet (10 March 2025) https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/panthers-aaron-ekblad-suspended-20-games-for-ped-program-violation/.

[2] C. Hamstead, “‘Nobody talks about it because everyone is on it’: Adderall presents esports with an enigma” The Washington Post (13 February 2020) https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/esports/2020/02/13/esports-adderall-drugs/.

[3] C. Hamstead.

[4] C. Hamstead.

[5] C. Hamstead.