ESIC Issues Lifetime Ban to joel for Cheating and Intimidation

Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has imposed a lifetime ban on professional Counter-Strike player Joel "joel" Holmlund due to multiple and serious violations of its Code of Conduct and Anti-Corruption Code. The ruling follows an extensive investigation that found joel guilty of cheating and subsequently attempting to intimidate ESIC.

Background of the Case

On August 4, 2024, during the CCT Season 2 European Series #9, joel was found in possession of a premium hardware cheat known as Asdfware EFI bootkit. This cheat, detected by Akros Anticheat and confirmed through forensic analysis, included features such as an aimbot, triggerbot, and ESP. The presence of executable and configuration files demonstrated a clear intent to use the cheat in competitive play.

joel admitted to the misconduct in his written response to ESIC. In recognition of his cooperation, ESIC granted a temporary delay in announcing his punishment to allow him to transition into alternative employment. However, upon the expiration of this grace period, joel attempted to blackmail ESIC with fabricated allegations in an effort to prevent the matter from being made public. This act was deemed a severe breach of ESIC's Integrity Program.

This latest offense marks joel's third violation of ESIC's Integrity Program within 24 months, underscoring a consistent disregard for competitive integrity and fair play.

Violations of the Integrity Code

joel was found guilty of multiple breaches of ESIC's Anti-Corruption Code and Code of Conduct, including:

• Anti-Corruption Code

  • Fixing or improperly influencing the outcome of a match.

    
    

• Code of Conduct

  • Attempting to manipulate a match for improper reasons.

  • Engaging in conduct that brings esports, the game, or ESIC into disrepute.

  • Intimidating participants, including ESIC officials.

  • Cheating or attempting to cheat.

  • Failing to disclose corrupt conduct.

  • Engaging in activity that raises suspicion of improper behavior.

    
    
    
    

Sanctions Imposed

Due to the severity and repeated nature of his infractions, ESIC has issued a lifetime ban against joel, effective immediately. The sanctions include:

• A permanent prohibition from participating in any ESIC-affiliated events, tournaments, leagues, or activities.

  
  

A recommendation to non-member tournament organizers and game publishers, including Valve, to uphold the ban.