The Right Choice
for Anti-Doping Services
USADA brings extensive anti-doping experience to a program tailored specifically for esports, combining proven clean sport principles with an approach that fits how players train and compete online and at live events.
To deliver gold standard anti-doping services and programs, we leverage:
- 20+ years of experience
- Over $18 million in scientific research
- In-house investigations team
- Proprietary technology
- Best-in-class equipment from InnoVero
Our Clients
Rules & Policies
Our esports anti-doping rules are aligned with core principles of the global anti-doping system but tailored for gaming. They focus on fairness, transparency, and player protections, while recognizing the online and hybrid nature of esports competition.
*COMING SOON* Esports Anti-Doping Rules
Who is this for?
Players and Support Personnel
What’s inside?
TBD – Short summary of key player responsibilities (e.g., no use of banned substances, cooperation with testing, honest disclosure).
Education
Education is built for esports players first, using short, targeted content that fits into busy training, competition, and streaming schedules. Players can learn through online modules, live webinars, short-form content, and in-person sessions at events.
How to check medications and products
One of the fastest ways to search the status of a medication and/or ingredient is by using Global Drug Reference Online (GlobalDRO.com), which provides easily accessible and accurate information on the status of pharmaceutical products sold in Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
How testing works
Testing is an important part of any effective anti-doping program and is the area that most often comes to mind when thinking about anti-doping. Players under USADA’s jurisdiction are subject to testing 365 days a year and do not have “off-seasons” or cutoff periods in which testing does not occur.
Risks related to supplements, stimulants, and energy products
While there is no way to be completely sure about the safety of supplements, there are some warning signs you can learn to recognize when it comes to identifying risky supplements. As a player, it is up to you to evaluate the risk you’re willing to accept when using supplements.
What happens if there is a potential violation?
The results management process is designed to protect the rights of clean players, preserve the integrity of competition, and hold accountable those players looking to cheat through the use of dangerous, performance-enhancing drugs, while ensuring only those players who have committed anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs) face sanctions.
Testing and the
Sample Collection Process
The esports testing program prioritizes non-invasive methods designed to be as simple and comfortable as possible for players. Depending on the final program design, this may include dried blood spot collection, oral fluid collection, or other approved methods conducted at events or in other approved settings.
When players are selected for testing, they are notified by trained collection staff and told what type of sample is needed.
Testing is designed to protect player privacy: only the minimum number of staff are present, information is handled confidentially, and players can ask questions at any time.
Samples are collected and sealed using secure, tamper-evident kits, and each sample is tracked by a code number instead of a player’s name to protect identity and ensure sample security.
Players are walked through the process step-by-step so they know exactly what to do, from choosing sealed collection equipment to signing the final form.
All testing is carried out by trained and certified personnel who follow strict procedures, so players and leagues can trust that results are accurate and reliable.
Substances and
The Prohibited List
The Esports Prohibited List focuses on substances that could unfairly boost focus, reaction time, alertness, or other aspects of mental performance in training or competition. It is informed by current scientific evidence and expert risk assessment.
Supplement Connect
Understand the risks of dietary supplements, learn to spot unsafe products, and take practical steps to protect your health and sports eligibility.
Results Management
When a potential violation occurs, results are managed through a fair, independent process that respects player rights and follows clear timelines.
Players are informed of findings, given the opportunity to respond, and supported in understanding their options, with a process designed to protect both clean players and the integrity of competition.
What is the Adjudication Process?
The results management and adjudication process is designed to balance the interest of clean players in not competing against another player or players facing an unresolved doping charge, with the opportunity for players and other persons who have been charged with an anti-doping rule violation to have an opportunity for a hearing prior to being declared ineligible to participate in sport. Click the button below for a summary of the results management process.
Science and Research
The esports program is grounded in research that includes studies on substances relevant to gaming performance and surveys that capture player opinions and experiences, helping refine program design, education, and testing methods over time.
Leagues and publishers that partner with USADA can participate in research initiatives that deepen understanding of health, performance, and integrity in esports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got Questions?
Click on the question to drop down the answer.
Why does esports need anti-doping?
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How to players feel about anti-doping in esports?
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Is doping really a problem in esports?
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Why partners with USADA for esports?
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Why is there a special Prohibited List for esports?
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What experience does USADA have?
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Does this bring bad news to esports?
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Still have questions about esports and anti-doping?
Contact USADA
ClientServices@USADA.org, call (719) 785-2000, or use our contact form.
NOTE: This form does not update Whereabouts information.