The controversy involving PlayTime at the Dota 2 Esports World Cup has resulted in the removal of three members.

South American Dota 2 team PlayTimehave officially responded to the team’s controversy at the Dota 2 Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026, in which an “integrity investigation” was launched against two of its team members, sports director Juan “Vintage” David Angulo Nicho and team midlaner Gonzalo “DarkMago” Herrera.

In an official statement, PlayTime claimed that the management of the organisation was not involved in any alleged foul play and declared its full cooperation with the EWC team throughout the ongoing investigation.

The organisation have also made the decision to part ways with the two investigated members, Vintage and DarkMago, alongside another player, offlaner Frank “Frank” Arias. Despite the mishap, PlayTime affirmed their commitment to the Dota 2 competitive scene, as they have begun restructuring the team roster, likely centred around the remaining players: Máximo “Wits” Orozco Alza, Elvis “Scofield” De la Cruz Peña, and Yelstin “elmisho” Verde.

The full statement from PlayTime reads as follows:

“Following internal evaluations and mutual discussions, PT Sports announces an immediate update to our Dota 2 roster. Vintage (Sporting Director, Coach), DarkMago (Player), and Frank (Player) have officially departed from the team. 

Our journey in esports continues. PT Sports is now officially initiating a comprehensive restructuring of our team. Guided by a new strategic vision, we are dedicated to building a highly competitive and dynamic new roster.

The new PT Sports Dota 2 team is currently being assembled. We sincerely thank you for your ongoing trust and support. We are incredibly excited for the future and look forward to seeing you all again in the arena soon.”

What was the PlayTime controversy at the Dota 2 EWC?

Amid the Dota 2 Esports World Cup Survival Stage on 14 July, a series between PlayTime and Vici Gaming was postponed after an integrity issue was flagged. Hours later, the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC), the integrity partner of the EWC, named Vintage and DarkMago as the two individuals under investigation. Both were immediately prohibited from participating in any EWC matches. As a result, PlayTime forfeited the series and was effectively eliminated from the tournament.

Currently, there is no official verdict from the ESIC, and neither individual has been convicted of any offence.

PlayTime players respond to the controversy

There has been much speculation within the community, with many pointing towards alleged match-fixing activities. While there are no concrete details about what the alleged "integrity issue" involved, several PlayTime players have released statements in response to the controversy.

Wits stated: 

“Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to talk about the investigation or the situation itself, so I must respect that.

What I can say is that I am fully collaborating with the process and doing everything possible to help ensure that the people involved get what they deserve and do not go unpunished.”

Frank, who was the third individual that surprisingly parted ways with the organisation, claimed that his departure was in no relation to the investigation:

“My separation from the organization has no relation to the investigation involving two of my former teammates. I am completely uninvolved in the events currently under investigation, and I trust that the process will allow everything to be clarified appropriately.”

Meanwhile, Scofieldreleased a more heartfelt statement: 

“Everything that's happened these past few days caught me completely off guard. I've seen a lot of things on social media and I just want to make one thing clear: I have not participated in any illegal act nor do I have knowledge of the facts that are being investigated today. I fully respect the decisions made by ESIC and the organizers. I've always believed that fair play and competitive integrity come above everything else. I love Dota ever since I started. 

I've spent years pouring everything into this dream. Dota changed my life, and those who've followed my career from the beginning know how much it means to me. That's why it hurts and frustrates me so much that a situation like this ends up reaching me when I've always tried to do things the right way.“

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