The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has banned Hungarian player Palkovics “2xplayN” Tamás for life. Just a day earlier, he had received a three-year ban for agreeing to a deal with investigators.
Within 24 hours, he answered his critics online, showed off his purchases, luxury cars and stacks of money, and promised to return in 2029.
Why This Story Stands Out
This case is unusual because the player made his own situation worse. A fixed-term ban usually ends with a return to competition. In this case, a few public posts turned a three-year sanction into a permanent one. The story also shows how closely ESIC watches the behavior of sanctioned players.
The NOMERCY Investigation
The case comes from ESIC’s investigation into the team NOMERCY. As part of that investigation, ESIC first published a sanction against playN. It was a three-year ban, and it followed his decision to cooperate and accept a deal.
After the sanction was published, however, playN went to Twitter. There, he boasted about what he had earned. He also said he would “return to business” once his ban ended.
What ESIC Decided
ESIC says the posts displayed apparent cash and other proceeds of financial crime. In addition, the player commented on match-manipulation findings, betting payouts and a return to competition.
As a result, ESIC revised his final sanction and sent the new decision to him by email. The commission called the conduct an egregious breach that created the appearance of improper conduct. It cited several articles of its Code of Conduct and its Anti-Corruption Code. ESIC also stated that the original findings in the case are recorded and will not be charged again.
The lifetime ban replaces the earlier three-year exclusion. Therefore, playN has no scheduled return to ESIC Member competition in April 2029. ESIC did not apply any reduction for cooperation to the new sanction. It said his earlier assistance was considered, but it did not excuse his later misconduct.
The ban covers participation in ESIC and Member competitions in any capacity. ESIC will notify its Members so they can enforce the decision within their powers. In addition, the commission will help refer the sanctioned conduct to Valve, government agencies and law enforcement.
ESIC’s Statement
ESIC made one point clear. The decision does not find, from the photographs alone, that the money or proceeds shown were match-fixing proceeds.
The commission also sent a warning to other participants. It said a fixed-term ban gives no immunity from further enforcement. Players remain accountable for serious integrity breaches during a suspension. According to ESIC, it will seek permanent exclusion where the proven conduct and the protection of fair competition justify it.
Why the Decision Matters
The case sets a clear example. A player who is already sanctioned can still lose the chance to return if he breaks integrity rules during his ban. In playN’s case, the lifetime ban ends the 2029 comeback he promised online. For other players, the message is simple. Their actions during a suspension count, and public posts can lead to a harsher punishment.
