PTime Removed From Dota 2 Esports World Cup

PlayTime Esports (PTime) has been removed from the Dota 2 Esports World Cup 2026 after the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) launched an investigation involving the team's captain and coach. The decision comes just one day after the organization's Survival Stage match against Vici Gaming was unexpectedly postponed due to what tournament organizers described as an integrity issue.

Following ESIC's intervention, the Esports Foundation confirmed that PTime had been withdrawn from the competition, with its scheduled match ruled a 2-0 forfeit in favor of Vici Gaming, who now advance to face 1w Teamin the next round of the Survival Stage.

ESIC Suspends PTime Captain and Coach

Late on July 14, ESIC announced provisional suspensions against Gonzalo "DarkMago" Herrera and coach Juan "Vintage" Angulo while an integrity investigation remains ongoing.

Under the provisional sanctions, both individuals are immediately barred from participating in the Esports World Cup and all ESIC-member events. In addition, Vintage is prohibited from carrying out any coaching, management, strategic, or team support responsibilities for participating teams during the investigation.

ESIC emphasized that the suspensions are precautionary measures and do not represent a finding of guilt, with the investigation still underway.

Vici Gaming Advances After PTime's Removal

Hours after ESIC's announcement, the Esports Foundation ruled that PTime would be removed entirely from the tournament.

As a result, the postponed Survival Stage series against Vici Gaming was awarded as a 2-0 victory for the Chinese squad, allowing Vici Gaming to advance and face 1w Team for a place in the Dota 2 Esports World Cup Playoffs.

Tournament organizers have not confirmed whether PTime will retain any portion of the tournament's prize money following its disqualification.

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Investigation Raises Questions for South American Dota 2

The case has also sparked concern throughout the South American Dota 2 scene, where integrity issues and allegations of match-fixing have historically drawn scrutiny.

PTime qualified for the Esports World Cup through EPT points rather than the region's lone qualifying slot, making the team's removal particularly significant for South America's representation on the international stage.

The investigation has also placed renewed attention on the organization's young roster, including 18-year-old carry Máximo "Wits" Orozco Alza, who was competing in his first Esports World Cup. While no allegations have been made against the team's other players, the controversy has raised concerns about how the outcome of the investigation could affect both the organization and the region moving forward.

With the Dota 2 Esports World Cup continuing through July 19, ESIC has not indicated when its investigation will conclude or whether further disciplinary action will follow.