Two members of the Dota 2 team PlayTime have been suspended from the Esports World Cup. The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) announced that coach Juan “Vintage” Angulo and player Oswaldo “DarkMago” Herrera are prohibited from further participation in the tournament while it investigates integrity concerns.
“The provisional suspensions have been imposed following ESIC’s preliminary assessment of information concerning suspected breaches of the ESIC Anti-Corruption Code and Player Code of Conduct,” ESIC said in a statement.
As a result of the investigation, PlayTime’s match against Vici Gaming in a Survival Stage series was suspended before the team forfeited. The Esports Foundation then confirmed the team had been removed from the competition.
Team Linked To Gambling Brand
PlayTime, also known as PTime and PT Sports, is a Philippines-based organization started earlier this year by the gambling brand of the same name.
After initially signing up Filipino players such as Kim Villafuerte “Gabbi” Santos and Armel Paul “Armel” Tabios, the team struggled.
It then signed up Peruvian players from paiN Gaming on its roster in May, including Vintage and DarkMago. In the same month, ESIC suspended another Peruvian Dota 2 team, Clown Crew.
With the new roster, PlayTime secured a Top 6 finish at DreamLeague Season 29, earning enough points to qualify directly for the Dota 2 Esports World Cup.
PTime Lost Final Two Group Stage Matches
The team drew their first two group stage matches at the World Cup before beating Level Up. PTime then lost their final two matches, against Aurora Gaming and Nigma Galaxy.
ESIC did not reveal which matches it is investigating for possible integrity concerns. In PTime’s matches with Nigma Galaxy and Aurora, over $1 million was traded on Polymarket’s game winner markets.
ESIC stressed that the case remains ongoing and “will not provide further public comment unless and until the investigation materially progresses or further enforcement action is taken.”
PlayTime Led To Police Raiding Miss Universe Pageant
PlayTime caused controversy at another event last year, leading to Thai police raiding the Miss Universe pageant.
A photo emerged online of Miss Philippines advertising the online gambling brand. Thai law strictly prohibits online gambling and the promotion of the activity.
As a result, police raided the hotel hosting the event, seizing promotional materials, including a PlayTime pillow and filming equipment.
The Esports World Cup allows gambling sponsors, but strictly prohibits players and coaches from betting on matches or providing inside information for betting purposes.
