May 26, 2026
Public Statement on Interim Suspension of Team Clown Crew / BarrancoBar and Associated Participants
Nature of the Investigation
ESIC is investigating allegations concerning suspicious in-game conduct occurring during recent Dota 2 qualifiers and tournament matches involving Team Clown Crew / BarrancoBar.
The investigation currently includes review of multiple matches and gameplay incidents, including allegations involving:
- unusual camera behaviour and player-perspective activity;
- suspicious de-warding and map-awareness incidents;
- reactions to enemy activity occurring outside normal vision or information range;
- potential use of radar, second-screen information, unauthorised external information, or other prohibited assistance; and
- possible awareness, assistance, benefit, or complicity by other team members.
ESIC is also reviewing whether any of the matters under investigation may be connected to betting-related misconduct, match manipulation, or other integrity offences.
Matches and Incidents Under Review
The investigation currently includes, without limitation, review of the following matches and incidents:
Game ID 8790064789
Game ID 8774123157
Game ID 8774206273
The investigation includes review of gameplay involving the player known as “Accel”, together with potential team-level knowledge of, or benefit from, the alleged conduct.
Relevant ESIC Rules and Potential Breaches
While the investigation remains ongoing, ESIC’s current working case theory includes potential breaches concerning:
- cheating or attempted cheating;
- use of unauthorised external information or prohibited tools;
- radar or second-screen assistance;
- match manipulation or attempted manipulation;
- betting-related misconduct;
- failure to report suspicious conduct or integrity breaches; and
- conduct bringing esports and competitive integrity into disrepute.
Interim Suspension
Effective immediately, and pending completion of ESIC’s investigation, the following persons are provisionally suspended:
- all registered players of Clown Crew / BarrancoBar;
- any substitutes, coaches, analysts, managers, or team staff associated with the team in the relevant matches; and
- any person acting on behalf of, or in support of, the team in ESIC Member Events or ESIC-recognised competitive activity.
During the interim suspension, affected participants are prohibited from participating in ESIC Member events or any competition operating under the ESIC Integrity Program.
This suspension is an interim protective measure only and does not represent a final finding. Any period served under this suspension may be credited against any sanction imposed following the conclusion of the investigation.
Ongoing Process
ESIC has issued formal interrogatories and disclosure directions requiring the production of communications, gameplay materials, device information, and financial records relevant to the investigation.
The matter remains under active investigation, and ESIC will provide further updates as appropriate in accordance with its procedures.
For further information, contact:
press@esic.gg
Twitter: ESIC_Official
Web: www.esic.gg