Palkovics ‘2xplayN’ Tamás has had his three-year suspension from Counter-Strike 2 competition upgraded to a lifetime ban after posting images of apparent cash and comments about match-fixing, betting payouts and a comeback. The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) announced the decision on October 16, one day after sanctioning five NOMERCY players in its investigation into suspicious matches and a bet with a potential payout exceeding $4.5 million.

That figure is the possible return, not money confirmed as paid to a player. The bookmaker reportedly voided the wager before any winnings were paid, and the available reporting does not establish that 2xplayN or former teammate Oliver ‘kzy’ Heck received betting proceeds.

The investigation centered on four NOMERCY defeats at Roman Imperium Cup VII in March 2026. ESIC announced the initial sanctions on October 15; 2xplayN received a three-year ban that was due to keep him out of ESIC-affiliated tournaments until April 2029.

Shortly after that announcement, 2xplayN posted an image on X showing what appeared to be several stacks of cash and referred to returning to the tournament in 2029. The next day, ESIC said his public posts included material about apparent cash, match manipulation and betting payouts. It described the conduct as a serious breach that created the appearance of improper behavior.

ESIC also made an important distinction: the photographs alone did not prove that the money shown came from match-fixing. The original three-year punishment reflected 2xplayN’s cooperation with investigators, including providing financial records and detailed responses. The commission said his subsequent conduct meant he could no longer receive that cooperation-based reduction.

Source link