Tekken’s champion shares his answer, including when he returns

Champion Tekken Arslan Ash responded to doping sanctions issued by the International Esports Federation (IESF), stating that it has unknowingly consumed banned substances and had no intention of gaining an advantage in competition.

In June, IESF announced This ash was positively tested for anabolic steroids after his victory at the 2022 World Championships (WEC22) in Tekken 7. The substances detected, 19-noodorone, metabolites Stanozolol and others are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Union (WADA).

The decision led to a two -year ban from events approved by IESF, covering April 26, 2023 to April 25, 2025.

The ash was also stripped of all the titles, points, money prizes and awards that won between December 10, 2022 and the launch of the ban. This included the title of WEC22.

The ash, widely regarded as one of the best Tekken players in history, ignored that the supplements he received were considered to enhance performance as reported by Propacistan.

“I didn’t know that these drugs were banned in esports,” he said. “I never used them for any advantage in the game.”

He explained that his substances were sold in 2022 by a trainer in a gym in Pakistan. “I was misleading and unfortunately became a victim of a gym culture where substances such as they are easily sold, with zero guidance or education,” he later wrote in social media.

The IESF maintained the attitude of “zero tolerance” in its original statement, saying it will continue to impose WADA -based tests on all the events of Global Esports.

However, the decision has been treated with skepticism. Critics have questioned both the timetable of the decision, more than two years after the competition and the relevance of steroid tests to a discipline that does not depend on physical performance.

The Esports Integrity Committee (ESIC) also released a statement The rejection of imposing the decision, arguing that the framework against the doping that is implemented lacks scientific basis for esports.

“Without scientifically grounded and built approach to anti-doping in esports, the serious consequences for competitive integrity are inevitable,” Esic said.

Ash said she stopped using the supplements as soon as she learned their content and has been a priority in education and health since then.

“I have joined a better gym. He took full responsibility and I was trained to ensure that this will not happen again,” he said.

Despite the controversy, Ash’s most important victories, including multiple EVO titles and the 2023 Tekken world tour, remain recognized by tournament organizers.

Its sponsor, Twisted Minds, also expressed support, calling the IESF “outdated” framework and not designed for esports. “Arslan’s career has always been built with skills, passion and relentless work,” the team said in a statement.

ASH first increased to international ledge in 2019, making the first player to win both Evo Japan and Evo Las Vegas the same year.

With five EVO titles and a World Championship, he remains one of the most decorated players in the history of competitive Tekken.