The Mongolian Counter-Strike 2 team, ATOX, has been removed from the team lists for the upcoming BLAST Open Lisbon 2025 and PGL Bucharest Major qualifier. The decision comes after the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) issued a “provisional suspension” against the team, as confirmed by tournament organizers BLAST and PGL. This sudden disqualification has thrown ATOX’s competitive plans into disarray and left fans wondering about the team’s future in ESIC-affiliated events.
What’s Behind the Suspension?
While ESIC hasn’t officially disclosed the reasons for the suspension, rumors of a match-fixing investigation have been swirling. Chinese commentator Yunqing “Searph” Hu hinted on social media that a top 30 VRS-ranked team was under investigation for suspicious activity during ESL Pro League Season 20 in 2024. Although no team was explicitly named, many in the community have linked these rumors to ATOX.
ESIC reportedly informed BLAST and PGL about the ongoing investigation, leading to ATOX’s provisional suspension. This means the team is barred from participating in any ESIC-affiliated events, including the BLAST Open Lisbon and PGL Bucharest qualifiers.
How Does This Affect the Tournaments?
ATOX’s suspension has immediate consequences for both tournaments. The team has been pulled from the BLAST Open Lisbon 2025, a $400,000 event set to begin on March 19th. To fill the gap, BLAST has brought in The Huns, another Mongolian team and the runners-up of the BLAST Rising Asia tournament. The Huns will now take ATOX’s spot as the lowest-seeded team and face Spirit in their opening match.
Similarly, ATOX has been removed from the PGL Bucharest Major qualifier, specifically the MESA Asian Masters event in Mongolia. PGL confirmed that the team’s suspension makes them ineligible to compete.
What’s Next for ATOX?
As of now, neither ESIC nor ATOX has released an official statement about the suspension or the alleged investigation. This lack of clarity has left the esports community guessing about the details of the case and what it means for ATOX’s future. It’s unclear how long the investigation will take or whether the provisional suspension could turn into a permanent ban.
The Huns Get Their Shot
For The Huns, ATOX’s suspension has opened up a huge opportunity. Originally not part of the BLAST Open Lisbon lineup, they’ve now been handed a chance to compete on a bigger stage. Their first match will be against Spirit on March 19th, and they’ll be looking to make the most of this unexpected break.
What Does This Mean for Esports Integrity?
ATOX’s disqualification highlights the serious consequences of potential misconduct in esports. ESIC’s provisional suspension shows the organization’s commitment to maintaining fair play and integrity in competitive gaming. While the situation is still unfolding, it serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the esports world.
The Bigger Picture
ATOX’s suspension is a major blow for the Mongolian team, but it also opens the door for The Huns to prove themselves on a global stage. As the esports community waits for more details from ESIC and ATOX, one thing is clear: maintaining integrity in competitive gaming is crucial, and any breaches can have far-reaching consequences.