What counts as cheating in esports?
A · Advanced · Integrity and sanctions · 3 of 7Cheating is using banned software or hacks, such as aimbots, wallhacks or radar hacks, banned macros or game bugs for an advantage. Using outside information during a match, such as messages from people not playing or a live stream, is also cheating. Results are voided and the cheat is disqualified, loses prize money and is usually banned for five years.
How it works
- Cheat software: banned; organisers decide what counts.
- Examples: aimbots, wallhacks, radar and speed hacks, macros.
- Bug abuse: using a bug for an advantage is cheating.
- Information abuse: outside messages or watching the stream.
- Audience: signals from spectators are banned.
- Inspection: equipment can be checked without notice.
- Sanction: voided results, disqualification, lost prize money.
- Ban: usually five years.
The glossary has the cheating (esports), the information abuse, the exploit, the peripherals, the disqualification (esports) and the Esports Integrity Commission.
Tricky cases
Can a player refuse an equipment check?
No.
A team fields a player with a publisher ban. Result?
In PUBG the team is disqualified.
How long after the event can cheating be punished?
Up to ten years.
Are mouse drivers allowed?
Yes. Standard drivers are allowed; macros are not.
Why the rule exists
Software makes some cheating hard to see, so the rules are strict and the bans long. Banning outside information keeps each team's knowledge its own.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Cheating | Usually a five-year ban | G 5.1.7.3 |
| PUBG | Listed hacks and tools banned | P 5.4.2.13 |
| Time limit | Ten years to sanction | G 5.1.5 |
From the rule book
Esports World Cup Foundation, Esports World Cup 2026 Global Rulebook, sections 5.1.5, 5.1.7, 5.1.12 and 5.1.23.5, with the EWC 2026 VALORANT and PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS rule books: PUBG, sections 5.4.2.12 and 5.4.2.13. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: the Esports World Cup 2026 rule books.