Written by Dante Uzel on 04 April 2025 09:50
Source: ESIC
The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has handed down a lifetime ban to professional Counter-Strike player Joel "joel" Holmlund following a series of serious breaches of its Code of Conduct and Anti-Corruption Code. The decision follows a comprehensive investigation into Holmlund's conduct, which revealed deliberate cheating and an attempt to intimidate ESIC during its enforcement process.
Background of the Case
The investigation stems from an incident during the CCT Season 2 European Series #9 on August 4, 2024, when Holmlund was found to be in possession of a premium hardware cheat known as the Asdfware EFI bootkit. The cheat, which included aimbot, triggerbot, and ESP (extra-sensory perception) features, was detected by Akros Anticheat and confirmed through forensic analysis. The presence of executable and configuration files on Holmlund’s computer indicated a clear intent to use the cheat in competitive play.
In response to the findings, Holmlund admitted to the misconduct in writing. At his request, ESIC delayed the public statement about his Rejection Order to assist him in transitioning into alternative employment. However, once the grace period expired, Holmlund attempted to blackmail ESIC by issuing fabricated allegations in an effort to avoid the public disclosure of his actions. ESIC viewed this as an attempt to intimidate the organization, marking a severe breach of its Integrity Program.
This marks the third time in 24 months that Holmlund has violated the ESIC Integrity Program, demonstrating a consistent disregard for the principles of fair play and integrity within esports.
Integrity Code Violations
Holmlund’s actions have led to multiple breaches of the ESIC Integrity Program. The specific violations in this case include:
Anti-Corruption Code:
2.1.1: Involvement in fixing or influencing match results or any aspect of a match, including underperformance.
Code of Conduct:
2.2.8: Attempting to manipulate a match for inappropriate reasons.
2.2.9: Conduct that brings esports, the game, or any associated event into disrepute.
2.3.1: Intimidation of any participant, whether through language, conduct, or gestures.
2.3.3 & 2.4.4: Cheating or attempting to cheat to win a game or match.
2.4.5: Conduct that brings esports, the game, or any associated event into disrepute.
2.4.6: Behavior that could lead to the appearance or suspicion of improper conduct.
2.5.1: Acting dishonestly or without integrity, failing to respect fair play principles.
2.5.3 & 2.5.6: Failure to disclose corrupt conduct or behavior that may tarnish the reputation of esports or its stakeholders.
Sanction Imposed
Given the severity and repetitive nature of Holmlund’s breaches, ESIC has imposed a lifetime ban on the player, effective immediately. The sanctions include:
A permanent prohibition on Holmlund’s participation in any esports events, tournaments, or activities hosted, organized, or affiliated with ESIC Members.
A recommendation to all non-Member Tournament Organizers and game publishers, including Valve, to enforce this ban across their platforms and events.
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Tags: ESIC
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