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Pakistani Tekken 7 legend Arslan Ash has been cleared of a doping-related ban that sidelined him from select events in 2022. The ban, which was never publicized at the time, only came to light after the International Esports Federation (IESF) released an official statement on their website a few weeks ago, nearly three years later.
The controversy arose from a 2022 doping test, in which Arslan tested positive for several anabolic steroids. However, the test itself was designed for traditional athletes—not esports competitors—making its relevance and enforcement deeply questionable.
Banned Substances Had No Impact on Gaming Performance
According to the IESF report, Arslan Ash tested positive for the following substances:
- 19-norandrosterone
- 19-noretiocholanolone
- Stanozolol metabolites
- Metandienone metabolites
These are well-known anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) commonly used by bodybuilders to gain muscle mass and physical strength. But in esports, where reaction time, mental clarity, focus, and precision define performance, these substances offer no competitive edge.
In fact, such steroids can come with adverse side effects like anxiety, mood swings, poor sleep, and irritability—all of which can hinder professional gaming rather than enhance it.
Gaming Enhancers Are Different—And Largely Ignored
In contrast to physical performance-enhancing drugs, esports professionals are more likely to abuse cognitive enhancers like:
- Adderall
- Modafinil
These substances are known to sharpen focus, boost reaction speed, and improve short-term decision-making, providing actual advantages in competitive gaming. Yet, the focus of anti-doping in esports remains poorly regulated, and many such drugs go untested.
This misalignment highlights how applying traditional sports anti-doping rules to esports can create misguided bans and unfair penalties—as in Arslan Ash’s case.
Arslan’s Explanation: “Strictly for Bodybuilding” During COVID
In an interview with ProPakistani, Arslan Ash confirmed that the substances he tested positive for were used during the COVID-19 pandemic, when esports tournaments were suspended globally.
“I wasn’t aware these drugs were banned in esports. I was never using them for any kind of advantage in gaming,” he stated.
He added that the substances were strictly part of a personal bodybuilding routine, and not taken with the intent to enhance gaming performance. Once he learned about anti-doping regulations in esports, he stopped using them entirely.
Flawed Testing and Regulatory Oversight
The situation was further complicated by the IESF’s testing protocols, which were originally developed for athletes in physical sports. These protocols did not account for the unique demands or realities of esports, leading to a misclassification of Arslan’s use as a doping violation.
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It’s a striking example of how one-size-fits-all policies fail in modern esports, where players don’t compete with muscles—they compete with mind, reflexes, and strategy.
Ban Lifted—No Impact on Arslan’s Career Success
Thankfully, the ban has now been lifted, and it has not hindered Arslan’s international esports success over the past three years. Despite the quiet suspension, he continued to:
- Compete in non-IESF tournaments
- Maintain an active global presence
- Win major championships, including multiple EVO titles
As of 2025, Arslan Ash is a five-time EVO champion, one of the most decorated players in Tekken history, and a proud representative of Pakistan’s growing esports scene.
Community Support and Reputation Remain Intact
Esports fans and professional players alike have rallied behind Arslan, emphasizing that his in-game dominance was never the result of unfair advantage. The revelation of the outdated and misapplied testing protocols has only further validated his clean record and legitimate skill.
Many now hope that this incident leads to better regulation and more esports-specific doping policies, especially as the industry continues to grow and evolve professionally.
