The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has decided to introduce a zero-tolerance policy against teams, coaches and players who practice stream sniping. The problem has become especially acute in recent months, when most matches have been moved online. However, those teams that have been caught committing this violation in the past will not be punished. ESIC representatives explain this by saying that another mass ban would have too devastating an impact on the professional scene. Although they believe that this practice was widespread in online matches, in many cases the accusation cannot be proven or such proof would require too many resources.
ESIC said it received a large number of stream sniping allegations during May and June. The essence of this violation is that one of the participants could keep the match broadcast on and use information from it to gain an unfair gaming advantage. ESIC believes that many teams, including top teams, regularly used this method.
ESIC has therefore decided to discontinue investigations into past cases of this violation, but will severely punish teams that commit it in the future. Recommendations were also adopted for tournament organizers to strengthen control over players.
