Who would've thought that this would even be an issue. Unfortunately, it is. I originally wanted to make a discussion thread about this when I heard the news about the CS:GO player from Nihilum who admitted that his team was using adderall during competitions (see YT video below). The commentary in the youtube video makes it seem like this is a widespread issue within professional gaming and the tone of the interview appears to shrug it off. How do you think this affects the pro gaming scene? What are your thoughts?
Saw this on etc im now wondering how annoying this will be for clean pros who didn't have to worry about this before. Either way this is why we can't have nice things in competitions as accessible as gaming people cheat with meds to get the upper hand
Yeah it is pretty unfortunate that when literally anything is made into a competition folks will find ways to cheat or skirt the rules. For all we know, there is a rampant underground doping problem in competitive eating - they better start drug testing before those hot dog eating competitions.
Dude there shouldn't be performance enhancing drugs in any competition. If there are, then you call it a separate enhanced category instead. Also abusing drugs the way they are, especially mixing with energy drinks. I'm surprised none of these players have had a heart attack, because excessive use can lead to that shit eventually.
Some folks were saying that certain drugs can enhance your ability to stay 'in the zone' and maintain your attention during lengthy/stressful sessions, which is likely the main line of thinking here.
Adderall is supposed to enhance concentration. That's why they give it to kids with ADHD. So, in theory, it could help them concentrate on the game and enhance their play (no clue if it works). Whether or not I'm opposed to it's use here, I don't know. It's shady, but what do you do about players that have a prescription? Do they get a pass, or do they have to go without their meds?
I hope someone noticed that "mandated" doesn't mean "mandatory".
Otherwise, meh. I think it's kind of silly that they have to have drug tests, and that people have to worry about something like this. I wish these players were mature enough to know that their health isn't worth the award. But at the same time I understand why they do it.
Sure you can get a boost, but then u just start tweakin out and stare at the screen and forget what you're doing. As in any legit competition, performance enhancers are uncouth of a professional athlete.
And then again, weed is legal in quite a few states now. Not to mention people on prescriptions would be disqualified? This is what happens when big money gets involved in anything.