Joel "joel" Holmlund has received a lifetime ban from ESIC. The reason is not only the use of cheats but also an attempt to blackmail ESIC.

On August 4, 2024, during the CCT Season 2 European Series 7 tournament, the Akros anti-cheat detected a premium EFI bootkit on joel's computer with aimbot, triggerbot, and ESP functions. An investigation confirmed that the cheats were installed intentionally.

The player admitted his guilt in writing. At his request, ESIC agreed to delay the public announcement to give him time to transition into another field. However, after this period, joel attempted to blackmail the commission with fabricated accusations, which ESIC regarded as a very serious violation.

This is already the third violation in the last 24 months. Combined with the attempt to pressure the commission, it led to the harshest punishment—a lifetime disqualification. According to the statement, Joel violated the following sections:

Anti-Corruption Code:

• 2.1.1 — Attempting match-fixing or any other means to influence the course, outcome, or aspects of a match.

Code of Conduct:

• 2.2.8 — Manipulating matches for tactical or strategic purposes.
• 2.2.9, 2.3.4, 2.4.5 — Actions damaging the reputation of esports, the game, tournaments, or ESIC.
• 2.3.1 — Intimidation of other participants.
• 2.3.3, 2.4.4 — Cheating or attempting to cheat.
• 2.4.6 — Behavior raising suspicions of violations.
• 2.5.1 — Unsportsmanlike conduct, breaching principles of fair play.
• 2.5.3 — Failure to timely disclose facts of corrupt behavior.
• 2.5.6 — Actions capable of arousing suspicion of foul play.

Following all this, joel is permanently banned from all ESIC-sanctioned tournaments. The commission also recommended that Valve and other organizers uphold the ban. In the conclusion of the statement, ESIC emphasized that it will not tolerate cheating, corruption, or pressure on regulatory bodies.