ESIC Suspends PlayTime DarkMago and Vintage from Dota 2 EWC

Update: PTime has been disqualified from the Dota 2 Esports World Cup following the provisional suspensions of midlaner Oswaldo “DarkMago” Herrera and coach Juan “Vintage” Angulo.

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has placed provisional suspensions on both DarkMago and Vintage as part of an ongoing investigation into integrity issues at the Dota 2 Esports World Cup 2026 tournament.

The suspensions were announced on July 14, shortly after the Survival Stage match between PTime (also known as PlayTime) and Chinese team Vici Gaming was postponed. The suspensions took immediate effect, preventing both DarkMago, 27, and Vintage, 30, from participating in the Dota 2 EWC and any events organized by ESIC while the investigation is active.

In its official statement, ESIC indicated that the suspensions followed a preliminary review of information related to potential violations of the organization’s Anti-Corruption Code and Player Code of Conduct.

Vintage’s restrictions extend beyond match participation, as the commission noted: “The interim measure also prevents him from undertaking coaching, management, strategic, team-facing or other support functions connected with participating teams or players.”

ESIC stated that these provisional suspensions are designed to maintain the integrity of the Dota 2 EWC during the investigation. “The measures are protective and precautionary. They aim to safeguard the integrity of the competition, preserve relevant evidence, and support the fair and effective conduct of ESIC’s investigation.”

The commission stressed that “no final determination of guilt has been made.” Both DarkMago and Vintage have been informed of the allegations against them, interviewed by investigators, and given the chance to respond and provide relevant materials.

ESIC also mentioned that the suspensions will remain in place unless modified or lifted in writing, and any tournament-related decisions for the Esports World Cup will be communicated separately by the Esports Foundation. The commission has refrained from providing additional public comments while the investigation is ongoing.

This announcement came just hours after the Survival Stage match between PlayTime and Vici Gaming was postponed due to an “integrity issue.” The best-of-three elimination series is now scheduled to take place at the start of the match day on July 15, with the winner moving on to face 1w Team.

ESIC has not revealed the specific reasons behind the provisional suspensions of DarkMago and Vintage, who were previously part of the paiN Gaming roster acquired by PlayTime last May.

The lack of detailed information has led to speculation among Dota 2 fans, with some alleging possible match-fixing. However, these rumors remain unverified, and neither ESIC nor the Esports World Cup has publicly connected the investigation to any specific match or incident.

As of now, PlayTime has not released a statement regarding the ESIC investigation.

On July 15, the Esports Foundation confirmed that PTime has been removed from the Dota 2 EWC 2026 due to the temporary suspensions of DarkMago and Vintage.

“As a consequence of those interim measures, PTime is no longer able to satisfy the eligibility requirements necessary to continue in the competition,” the Esports Foundation stated.

The organizing body emphasized that there is still “no final determination of misconduct” as ESIC continues its investigation.

“To protect the integrity of the ongoing process, the Esports Foundation will not comment further on the underlying investigation at this stage,” it added.

With this development, PlayTime was forced to forfeit their Survival Stage match against Vici Gaming, allowing VG to advance and face 1w Team in Round 2, where the four winners will qualify for the playoffs.