Tekken Champion Arslan Ash Reacts to IESF Doping Sanctions

On June 19, 2025, the International Esports Federation (IESF) made headlines with a significant announcement regarding prominent Tekken player Arslan Ash, imposing sanctions due to steroid use.

While the revelation initially garnered little attention, it began to stir discussions within the fighting game community by early July, raising questions about the timing and implications of the ruling.

The IESF alleged that Arslan Ash violated its anti-doping regulations during the 2022 World Esports Championship, having tested positive for anabolic steroids on December 10, 2022. This announcement marked a critical moment in the intersection of esports and regulatory action.

The specific substances detected in Ash’s system included 19-norandrosterone, 19-noretiocholanolone, stanozolol metabolites, and metandienone metabolites, all of which are prohibited under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines.

IESF sanctions Arslan Ash — Source: IESF.org

Consequently, Arslan Ash received a two-year ban, effective from April 26, 2023, to April 25, 2025. All of his achievements associated with the 2022 World Esports Championship were annulled, stripping him of awards, points, and prize money from events occurring between December 10, 2022, and April 26, 2023.

This ruling rendered significant results from major competitions such as Evo Japan 2023, Evo Las Vegas 2023 & 2024, and the 2023 Tekken World Tour Finals in New Orleans effectively null.

Debate Arises Over Drug Policy

The imposition of sanctions by the IESF quickly went viral, provoking a response from the Esports Integrity Commission (EIC).On July 2, the EIC issued its own statement, questioning the validity of the IESF’s approach.

In their commentary, the EIC asserted that it is not required to acknowledge or enforce the IESF’s decision. They further highlighted a critical distinction, noting that substances banned under WADA do not necessarily apply to the esports realm, given its inherent differences from traditional sports.

“Without a scientifically grounded and purpose-built approach to anti-doping in esports, serious consequences for competitive integrity are inevitable — as demonstrated by this incident, ” the EIC emphasized. They reiterated their commitment to fostering a fair and evidence-based anti-doping framework for the esports industry.

Arslan Ash celebrating — Source: ArslanAsh95

Arslan Ash is widely regarded as one of the premier Tekken players in history.

Following the uproar, Arslan Ash expressed his thoughts in a statement to ProPakistani. He revealed that he was unaware of the ban on steroids within esports, emphasizing, “I was never using them for any kind of advantage in gaming. Once I learned about their risks and the anti-doping rules, I stopped using them completely.”

Arslan Ash’s legacy in competitive gaming is monumental, having brought significant attention to Pakistan’s presence in esports with his remarkable victories at Evo Japan and Evo Las Vegas in 2019. His accomplishments have since grown to include five Evo championships and the title of Tekken World Champion in 2023.

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