Shocking news has emerged from the Dota 2 competitive scene. The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has imposed severe sanctions on two former PTime/PlayTime members, Juan “Vintage” Angulo and Oswaldo “DarkMago” Herrera, following the conclusion of an investigation into alleged integrity violations at the Esports World Cup 2026 (EWC 2026).

In a decision announced on September 10, 2026, ESIC handed Vintage a lifetime ban, while DarkMago received a five-year ban from competitive activities under ESIC’s jurisdiction. The decision replaces the temporary suspensions previously imposed on both individuals in July 2026.

Vintage and DarkMago Receive Severe Dota 2 Sanctions from ESIC

After completing its investigation, the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) imposed severe sanctions on former PTime members Juan “Vintage” Angulo and Oswaldo “DarkMago” Herrera in connection with competitive integrity violations.

Vintage received the most severe punishment in the form of a lifetime ban. The former PTime coach was found guilty of six charges during the disciplinary proceedings. According to ESIC’s findings, Vintage was involved in an attempt to have his team lose 0-2 to Team Liquid, including an agreement involving financial compensation connected to the attempted match manipulation.

In addition, Vintage was found to have requested or facilitated the involvement of other parties in conduct that violated the principles of competitive integrity. As a result of the overall violations, ESIC imposed lifetime ineligibility, preventing Vintage from participating in competitive activities under ESIC’s jurisdiction as a player, coach, or in any other capacity covered by the organization’s regulations.

Meanwhile, DarkMago received a five-year ban, effective from July 14, 2026, through July 13, 2031. However, ESIC’s findings against DarkMago differ from those involving Vintage.

DarkMago was involved in communications related to suspected match manipulation. He subsequently became aware of messages indicating a potential integrity violation. However, ESIC determined that DarkMago failed to report the information to ESIC, despite such reporting being required under ESIC’s integrity regulations. Therefore, his five-year ban relates to his failure to report potential match-fixing activity.

ESIC did not determine that DarkMago directly arranged the match or received payment. Both individuals remain entitled to appeal the decision to the International Games and Esports Tribunal (IGET). Any appeal must be submitted in accordance with the applicable procedures.

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