Amateur Dota 2 team Team Cyberding, which was competing in the North America Closed Qualifier for ESL One Raleigh 2025, was disqualified after being caught using a ringer during their match. For further Dota 2 news, click here. This incident resulted in a forfeit victory for their opponents, Red Bulls, and raised significant concerns about integrity in the amateur Dota 2 scene. Here’s what happened:
Team Cyberding Disqualified for Using a Ringer at ESL One Raleigh 2025
The controversy unfolded on Day 2 of the NA Closed Qualifier at ESL One Raleigh 2025. Team Cyberding was ahead in their match against Red Bulls when suspicions began to surface. Red Bulls noticed that three of Team Cyberding’s players had an unusually high ping of 200, which was strange since the qualifier was held on a North American server. Concerned that these players were not playing from the region, Red Bulls accused Team Cyberding of using ringers, a practice where higher-skilled players are brought in to substitute for regular team members.
In response, Team Cyberding explained that they were using a school network, but both Red Bulls and the ESL admins found this explanation unconvincing. After a thorough investigation by ESL, it was confirmed that Team Cyberding had used a ringer, which led to their immediate disqualification from the tournament.
What is a Ringer?
In the context of competitive gaming, a ringer refers to a player who is temporarily brought into a team, usually due to their higher skill level or experience. This can give a significant advantage, especially in amateur tournaments where teams may not have access to players of the same caliber. It’s often seen as an unfair tactic that undermines the integrity of competitions.
The State of North American Dota 2
This incident highlights some ongoing issues within the North American Dota 2 scene. Historically, North American teams have struggled to compete at the highest levels, with top-tier players increasingly moving to more competitive regions. The amateur scene has faced criticism for its lack of depth and the reliance on tactics like ringer recruitment.
The incident with Team Cyberding is yet another example of these challenges. There were even speculations that the ringer might have been a banned Southeast Asian player, though their identity has not been confirmed. This situation underscores the difficulties that many North American teams face when trying to remain competitive.
