Prohibited Substances
Substance categories monitored and prohibited in esports competition
The Prohibited List
IESF follows the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List, which is updated annually. Athletes are responsible for ensuring that any substance they use is not on the current list. The categories below highlight the most relevant substance groups for esports athletes.
Stimulants
Substances that increase alertness, attention, and energy. Includes amphetamines, methylphenidate, and modafinil. Some ADHD medications fall into this category.
Examples: Adderall, Ritalin, Modafinil, Amphetamines
Narcotics
Pain-relieving substances including opioids that may affect performance, recovery, and cognitive function during competition.
Examples: Morphine, Oxycodone, Fentanyl
Cannabinoids
Cannabis and its derivatives are prohibited in competition under WADA guidelines. This includes THC and synthetic cannabinoids.
Examples: THC, Cannabis, Synthetic cannabinoids
Beta Blockers
Medications that reduce heart rate and tremors, potentially improving steadiness and reducing performance anxiety in precision-based gaming.
Examples: Propranolol, Atenolol, Metoprolol
Anabolic Agents
While more common in traditional sports, anabolic steroids and other agents are prohibited under the WADA Code which IESF follows.
Examples: Testosterone, Nandrolone, SARMS
Hormone & Metabolic Modulators
Substances that manipulate hormone levels or metabolic processes. Prohibited at all times under the WADA Code.
Examples: EPO, Growth Hormone, Insulin
Important Notice
This is not an exhaustive list. Athletes must check all medications and supplements against the current WADA Prohibited List. When in doubt, consult with a medical professional or the IESF Anti-Doping Committee. The full WADA Prohibited List is available at wada-ama.org.
Substances & Methods Prohibited at All Times
This means that the substance or method is prohibited at all times (in- and out-of-competition) as defined in the above International Standard Prohibited List.
Prohibited Substances In-Competition
In-Competition period shall in principle be the period commencing just before midnight (at 11:59 p.m.) on the day before a Competition in which the Athletes is scheduled to participate until the end of the competition and the Sample collection process.
Check Your Medications
It is the athlete's responsibility to find out if any medication they take contains a substance on the WADA Prohibited List. If you are prescribed a medication or are undergoing a medical procedure, you must check with your doctor whether it involves any prohibited substances.
The easiest way to check the prohibited status of medications is to visit GlobalDRO.com. Global Drug Reference Online provides accurate information on the status of pharmaceutical products sold in Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
If Your Medication Contains a Banned Substance
If the medication/procedure contains a banned substance, the doctor should assess whether there is an alternative medication (that does not contain a banned substance) that can be used instead.
If there is no suitable alternative, a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) should be applied for. International Level athletes must apply for a TUE BEFORE taking the medication (except in a medical emergency).
If a national or international level athlete tests positive due to a medication they have taken and they do not have an approved TUE in place, they will likely be charged with an anti-doping rule violation.
If you need to take a prohibited substance for medical reasons, you may be eligible for a Therapeutic Use Exemption.
TUE Application Process