ESL Disqualifies NAVI Junior from ESL One Raleigh 2025, Other Teams Penalized

Tournament organizer ESL has completed its investigation into the use of the Smoke of Deceit exploit during the qualifiers for ESL One Raleigh 2025 in Dota 2. As a result, ESL has decided to disqualify Natus Vincere Junior and impose penalties on several other teams. The official announcement was published on the ESL website.

Scope of Exploit Usage and Disqualifications

According to the investigation, NAVI Junior players exploited the bug approximately 115 times, leading to their removal from the tournament. In addition, ESL found extensive usage of the exploit by 9Pandas (160 times) and Aurora Gaming (50 times). These teams were also disqualified, even though they did not advance to the main stage of the tournament. This means they will not be able to take the places of other teams from their regions in case of withdrawals.

Fines and Warnings for Other Teams

ESL also identified teams that "moderately abused" the exploit, including:

• Passion UA – 17 times
• One Move – 12 times
• Virtus.pro – 11 times
• Winter Bear – 9 times
• Tundra Esports – 9 times
• Team Spirit – 7 times
• Team Secret – 5 times

These teams were fined, though the exact penalties were not disclosed.

Meanwhile, Wildcard Gaming, Shopify Rebellion, and Natus Vincere used the exploit "once or twice" and received an official warning from ESL. Players from Nigma Galaxy, Gaimin Gladiators, Talon Esports, and M80 reportedly triggered the exploit accidentally and were not penalized.

ESL's Stance and Impact on Future Tournaments

ESL emphasized that the Smoke of Deceit exploit is not a legitimate game mechanic. The tournament operator had already banned its use at ESL One Bangkok 2024 and had previously warned teams that exploiting it would result in penalties.

Additionally, ESL has urged participants in DreamLeague Season 25 to adhere to the rules and report any violations. The investigation found no similar incidents during the qualifiers for this event, so the results remain valid.